Our leadership team is experienced, passionate, and committed to building lasting relationships with customers and vendors. We prioritize creating a positive work culture that drives success.
The Palmer Foods leadership team brings a wealth of experience, knowledge, and passion to the foodservice industry. With a strong focus on building lasting relationships with customers and vendors, the leadership team is dedicated to driving Palmer Foods’ and its clients’ success. They deeply understand the industry and are skilled at identifying and responding to emerging trends and opportunities. Above all, they value their associates and prioritize creating a positive, supportive work culture that drives the company’s success.
Experience, knowledge, and passion The Palmer leadership team
Kip Palmer, CEO
Kip Palmer, CEO of Palmer Foods, is a dedicated leader who takes pride in the company’s history and values. As a family-owned and operated business since 1850, Palmer Foods has grown into a broadline foodservice company that invests in the communities it serves. Kip believes in building personal relationships with clients and prioritizing their satisfaction. He aims to help clients focus on outstanding food, superb facilities, great service, and excellent value. With a strong commitment to the company’s values, Kip leads Palmer Foods with gratitude for their many wonderful clients and God’s blessings.
Brian Handley, President
Brian Handley is a dynamic and accomplished leader with a Master of Business Administration and over two decades of operational leadership experience in various industries. He is passionate about improving the lives of others, solving complex problems, and transforming how products are produced and delivered. Brian has a proven track record of delivering exceptional strategic results in operational improvements and supply chain optimization, maximizing efficiency, client satisfaction, corporate growth, and profitability. As an award-winning coach and mentor, he has effectively led multiple business transformation efforts, including turnarounds, acquisitions, and divestitures.
Drew D. Saur, Chief Information Officer
Drew Saur is the Chief Information Officer at Palmer Foods with over three decades of experience in managing complex software engineering and information technology endeavors. Additionally, he is the founder of The Progressive CIO and an adjunct faculty member at the Rochester Institute of Technology. He emphasizes the importance of empathy and trust in building strong relationships between engineers and customers.
Dan Walsh, Vice President of Program Sales
Dan Walsh is a seasoned sales executive with over three decades of experience in business development and sales leadership. He has a results-oriented approach and a track record of exceeding sales objectives, building effective teams, and developing long-term strategic plans. With a focus on situational leadership and efficiency-driven sales process management, Dan brings expertise in corporate communication strategy, media consulting, event planning, and incentive program design.
Ben Wickham, Vice President of Street Sales
Ben Wickham provides strategic leadership and direction for our Street Sales teams in the Buffalo and Rochester markets. With experience in nearly every aspect of foodservice – from farming and fabrication to sales, storage, and operations – Ben brings a unique perspective to the clients he serves.
Mieke Ulrop, Vice President of Organizational Development & Safety
Mieke Ulrop is an experienced leader with a proven ability to build strong relationships and create high-performing teams. She brings expertise in human resources and organizational development to Palmer Foods, guiding initiatives that promote safety, growth, and a supportive culture for associates. With a keen eye for detail and a focus on continuous progress, Mieke is dedicated to shaping an environment where people thrive. Her leadership reinforces Palmer’s values—investing in our people, strengthening our culture, and driving long-term success for our clients.
Don LaFlam, Vice President of Operations
Don LaFlam brings more than 20 years of foodservice experience to Palmer Foods. He holds a Culinary Arts degree from Paul Smith’s College and a Bachelor’s in Hospitality Management from SUNY Delhi. Known for strategic thinking, disciplined execution, and team development, Don believes leadership begins with listening and empowering people. At Palmer Foods, he focuses on operational excellence and efficiency while fostering a culture of collaboration and care. His work ensures that our product and service consistently reflect the passion and quality our clients depend on.
Rachel Gagnon, Director of Finance
Rachel Gagnon joined Palmer Foods in 2017 as Controller and was promoted to Director of Finance in 2024. She holds dual bachelor’s degrees in Accounting and Finance from SUNY Brockport, is a Certified Management Accountant, and earned her Master of Strategic Leadership from Roberts Wesleyan University.
With more than 20 years of finance experience, Rachel is known for streamlining processes, building organizational capacity, and supporting the business cross-functionally. She values Palmer’s people-first culture, where relationships guide both internal teamwork and customer partnerships.
Don't settle for standard. The best beef comes from Palmer.
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