WAEF Names Four New Board Members

The Washington Apple Education Foundation has welcomed four new members to its Board of Directors. The newest members include:

Brandon Flory

Brandon Flory serves as Chief Financial Officer of Gilbert Orchards and Sundquist Fruit. A Yakima native and graduate of Washington State University, he began his career in public accounting before returning to the tree fruit industry, where he now oversees financial operations for two well-known agricultural businesses. His background includes financial leadership, strategic planning, and a long-standing commitment to mentoring young professionals.

Greg Koch

Greg Koch is Chief Executive Officer of Olympic Fruit in Yakima. Having grown up in the Yakima Valley, Greg began working in the tree fruit industry as a teenager and has built a career spanning production, operations, and executive leadership. In addition to being a licensed CPA, his lifelong connection to agriculture and experience leading a Washington fruit company bring a broad industry perspective to WAEF.

Jenny Faletto

Jenny Faletto of Chelan serves as Chief Financial Officer of Auvil Fruit in Orondo. Raised in the Yakima Valley, she worked in agriculture throughout her youth and while attending college before building a career in public accounting and agricultural finance. Today, she combines more than two decades of financial and operational leadership with a deep appreciation for the educational opportunities that helped shape her own career.

Mac Riggan

Mac Riggan is Vice President of Sales and Business Development for Chelan Fresh in Wenatchee. Having grown up working in his family's cherry orchard, he has spent his career in Washington's tree fruit industry with experience spanning orchard operations, sales, and business development. His collaborative leadership style and broad understanding of the industry reflect the values that have guided his career.

The four join 16 current board members representing Washington’s tree fruit industry and related businesses. The new directors bring experience in finance, operations, sales, business development, and executive leadership, along with, what WAEF called, a "commitment to expanding educational opportunities for students in Washington’s tree fruit communities".

WAEF's Goal Is The Next Generation In The Tree Fruit Industry

"We are pleased to welcome Brandon, Greg, Jenny, and Mac to the WAEF Board of Directors," said Tyler Price, WAEF board chairman. "Each has demonstrated leadership within our industry and communities, and we look forward to the experience and perspective they will contribute as WAEF continues serving students and strengthening rural Washington."

The Washington Apple Education Foundation awards more than $1.3 million in scholarships each year and provides programs designed to help students succeed in college, graduate, and prepare for careers.

If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-9791, or e-mail glenn.vaagen@townsquaremedia.com