From left: Jared Vitemb, senior vice president and general counsel, Ruiz Foods; Kerissa Chapman, executive director, Tulare County Farm Bureau; Mark Thorpe, director of aviation, City of Fresno; and Steve Jones, president and CEO of Murphy Bank and incoming president of the East Fresno Rotary Club.

New executive appointments this week include leadership moves in manufacturing, agriculture, banking and aviation across the Central Valley.

Several Central Valley organizations announced executive appointments and leadership changes this week, including new roles at Ruiz Foods, the Tulare County Farm Bureau, Murphy Bank and the City of Fresno.

Ruiz Foods names Jared Vitemb senior vice president and general counsel

Ruiz Food Products Inc. has appointed Jared Vitemb as senior vice president and general counsel.

Vitemb joins the Dinuba-founded frozen Mexican food manufacturer from Farmer Brothers Co., where he served as vice president, general counsel, chief compliance officer and corporate secretary.

In his new role, Vitemb will oversee Ruiz Foods’ legal operations, including regulatory compliance, corporate governance, risk management, contract negotiations, litigation and intellectual property matters.

Although Ruiz Foods relocated its corporate headquarters to Frisco, Texas, in 2023, the company continues to maintain its flagship manufacturing facility in Dinuba, where it was founded in 1964.

Kerissa Chapman named executive director of Tulare County Farm Bureau

The Tulare County Farm Bureau has selected Kerissa Chapman as its new executive director.

Chapman brings experience in agricultural leadership, marketing, education and community engagement. She will work with Farm Bureau members, partners and the agricultural community to advocate for the industry throughout Tulare County.

“I am honored and excited to serve as executive director of the Tulare County Farm Bureau,” Chapman said. “I look forward to working alongside our members, partners and agricultural community as we continue advocating for and strengthening agriculture in Tulare County.”

Steve Jones to lead East Fresno Rotary Club

Steve Jones, president and CEO of Murphy Bank, will serve as president of the East Fresno Rotary Club during the 2026-27 Rotary year.

Jones will oversee the club’s community service projects and charitable initiatives. The organization meets weekly at The Palms Restaurant in Fresno and is seeking new members.

Mark Thorpe named Fresno director of aviation

The City of Fresno has appointed Mark Thorpe as director of aviation following a nationwide search.

Thorpe began serving July 9 and will oversee operations and long-term planning for both Fresno Yosemite International Airport and Fresno Chandler Executive Airport.

He most recently founded Atmos Global Aviation Consulting after holding executive leadership positions at Los Angeles International Airport, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport and Ontario International Airport.

During his tenure as CEO of Ontario International Airport, Thorpe helped expand airline service, strengthen partnerships and oversee new cargo facilities serving FedEx and Amazon Prime.

He holds a Juris Doctor and Master of Business Administration from George Washington University and a bachelor’s degree from Arizona State University.