Michael Kanan
Chairman
Board of Directors

Mr. Kanan has been chairman since he bought King Nut Company in 1989.  He also was President and Chief Executive Officer through 2003.  He has been a food industry executive his entire professional career.  Prior to King Nut he was an executive officer at Ever Fresh Juice, Inc. and John Labatt, Ltd.  Born in Detroit, Michigan, Mr. Kanan has a BS in Accounting from the University of Detroit.  In his role as chairman, he mainly is involved in the company’s finance and acquisition activities.  In his past role as President, he was the leader in the acquisition of both King Nut and Peterson Nut.   Mr. Kanan has three grown children with his wife Betty and they reside in Chagrin Falls, Ohio and Marco Island, Florida.

 

Matthew R. Kanan
Executive Vice President Sales and Marketing

Mr. Kanan has been Executive Vice President in charge of Sales and Marketing since 2003.  Mr. Kanan joined King Nut in 1991 as a Regional Manager of Sales and Marketing.  He has also been the National Sales Manager and Director of Sales and Marketing.  In his current role, Matt oversees the company’s complete sales force and is responsible for directing the company’s marketing initiatives and brand imaging. He is also second in charge, assisting the President in running the company.   Born in Detroit, Michigan, Matt has a BBA in Marketing from Western Michigan University.  Mr. Kanan resides in Fairview Park, Ohio with his wife Denise.

Joseph A. Valenza
Senior Vice President Finance and Administration

Mr. Valenza has been Senior Vice President of Finance and Administration since December of 2006.  Before that he was Vice President and Corporate Controller.  Mr. Valenza joined King Nut in 1993 in customer service.  Since then, Joe has held several positions in accounting and purchasing.  He also was the assistant controller.  In his current role, Joe oversees the administration of finance, accounting, purchasing, human resources, information technology and customer service.  Born in Warren, Michigan, Joe has a BS in Accounting from Western Michigan University, and has passed the CPA exam.  Mr. Valenza resides in Lyndhurst, Ohio with his wife Karen and two daughters Grace and Clare.

James F. DeDario
Vice President
Manufacturing and Plant Operations

Mr. DeDario has been the Vice President of Manufacturing and Plant Operations since December of 2006.  Before that he was the department's director.  He joined King Nut in October 2001.  Prior to that James worked in operations management for Adelphia Communications.  In his current role, James oversees all plants and their manufacturing and engineering.  Born in Niagara Falls, New York, James has a Technical Engineering degree from NCTI.  Mr. DeDario has a grown daughter with his wife Tina and they reside in  Aurora Shores, Ohio. 

Debra A. Smith
Vice President
Quality Assurance and Product Development

Ms. Smith has been Vice President of Quality Assurance and Product Development since December of 2006.  Before that she was the department’s director since 2003.  Ms. Smith joined King Nut in 2001 as the manager of Quality Assurance.  Prior to that, she held several positions in quality assurance for major food processors such as Pillsbury and Roush Gourmet Foods.  Deb is responsible for the company’s quality assurance and HACCP programs, research and development, policies and procedures and sanitation.   Born in Youngstown, Ohio, Deb has extensive training in HACCP, SPC, and AIB.  Ms. Smith has two grown children with her husband Mike and they reside in Freedom Township, Ohio.