Accepting an executive leadership role at Florida’s Natural Growers is a privilege for Katherine, who maintains deep-rooted connections to Florida spanning over 30 years. Her recent appointment as CFO underscores a personal dedication to the company’s growth and the enduring legacy of the Florida citrus industry.

Shaped by a military family upbringing that instilled adaptability, Katherine is a seasoned executive with over 15 years of leadership in consumer-packaged goods (CPG), beverage, and private brands. Katherine’s steadfast commitment to fostering professional development and team building is evident in her passion for cultivating outstanding teams and driving continuous improvement and growth. Beyond her executive responsibilities, she is an enthusiastic traveler who enjoys exploring the great outdoors through activities like hiking, skiing, and boating.

Family remains the cornerstone of Katherine’s priorities, and she deeply values every moment spent with her son, husband, and extended family in the Tampa Bay area.

Favorite Florida’s Natural Beverage: Coral Reef Orange Juice

After graduating from the University of Florida with a degree in Chemistry/Zoology and a focus on Forensic Toxicology, Sean started his first job at a small citrus cooperative named Citrus World where he was responsible for the development of the Fresh N Natural product line that
later evolved into the Florida’s Natural brand. After five years at Citrus World, Sean left and continued his career with Lykes Pasco where he served as Vice President of Innovation & Quality. After selling to venture capital groups, Pasco was split into two companies. Vitality Foodservice and Pasco Beverage Company. Sean continued in Senior management roles under this ownership and was responsible for not only QA and Innovation but also Packaging and Dispenser Development. Under Sean’s leadership, Vitality Food Service
flourished, creating an international presence and plants across the USA, Canada, and the EU. Nestle’ eventually acquired Vitality Foodservice and Sean was asked to relocate to Orbe, Switzerland to lead Global R&D for Nestle Professional in Nestle’s newly created System Technology Center.

Sean oversaw a team that designed and built new dispense platforms and their products for Nestle worldwide including both hot and cold beverages. Many of the dispensers used across the globe dispensing both coffee, chocolate, tea and juice were developed under Sean’s leadership. After his stint in Switzerland, he was asked to return to the USA to lead operations for Nestle Professional Beverage. Sean left Nestle in 2018 to start his own business. In 2019, he was asked to join the Florida’s Natural Team as Vice President Technical Services where he leads a talented team and oversees Procurement, Quality Assurance, Research and Development etc.

I grew up in Lancaster PA, where most of my immediate family still resides.  My wife and I moved to Florida in 2017 so I could begin my new job leading the marketing function at Florida’s Natural Growers.  I graduated from Northeastern University in Boston and completed my MBA at Boston University.

I also worked in marketing at various other consumer packaged goods companies including:
Friendly’s Ice Cream Corporation
Hershey Foods
Kraft Heinz
Mrs. T’s Pierogies

My wife and I have two grown sons.  Our eldest is a lawyer in California and our youngest lives in Colorado and works in supply planning.

Living and working in Florida has been a real pleasure.  We’ve met many interesting people and made life-long friends.  The year-round Florida sunshine is great for outdoor activities and growing delicious, sweet oranges.  I try to run four or five days a week and spend most Sunday mornings playing golf with a few neighbors.

Working for a citrus cooperative is fun and enriching.  I’m surrounded by smart, hard-working professionals who are dedicated to supporting our Florida growers.  It’s a most rewarding place to work.

FNG is known for citrus juices, but we also produce lemonades, splashes and other fruit drinks.  My favorite is Florida’s Natural orange juice with pulp.

Hailing from a family with strong ancestral ties to farming, Ashok Narayan has a profound appreciation for the rich history of Florida's citrus industry and the vital role our organization has played as a cornerstone of Florida agriculture for over eight decades.

Ashok's career spans more than two decades in the technology sector, where he has worked across multiple industries and platforms with diverse experience gained through leadership roles at Fortune 10 companies like AT&T, mid-sized enterprises, and innovative startups. He is dedicated to leveraging his extensive background to drive innovation and efficiency throughout FNG, honoring the company's storied legacy while propelling it into the future through strategic technological advancements.

Family is Ashok's foundation, shaping his approach to work and life. He enjoys traveling, hiking, and solving escape rooms with his wife and two sons. An avid reader and tennis player, Ashok also follows a wide range of sports.

Favorite Florida’s Natural Beverage: Coral Reef Orange Juice