Sonia E. Salas joined Western Growers in October 2007. Before joining Western Growers, Sonia worked with private companies, managed food safety/quality systems and implemented food related federal/state requirements. She has about 20 years of experience with the food industry and a bit over half of that time with the produce industry.
Sonia joined Western Growers as Senior Loss Control Consultant to support Western Growers members with loss control and worker safety needs. From 2009 to 2018, Sonia took on different positions supporting the Western Growers Science & Technology Unit. In July 2019, she was promoted to Assistant Vice-President, Food Safety, Science & Technology. She is responsible for monitoring food safety, scientific and technological advancements in agriculture and has been charged with the implementation and monitoring of food safety, science and technology services for Western Growers members.
Sonia has played a key role in the development, update and implementation of several commodity specific food safety guidelines. She supports strategic alliances with entities such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, universities, different coalitions and organizations serving agriculture.
Sonia is a member of the Honor Society of Agriculture, Gamma Sigma Delta. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree from the Agricultural Pan-American School based in Central America (Zamorano). She also holds a Master of Science degree in Agriculture from California State Polytechnic University (Cal Poly Pomona).