The Washington Apple Commission has appointed Tommy Hanses, CEO of Washington Fruit and Produce Co., to Position 4, Grower District 3, on the board of directors.
Hanses will take over the position from Jim Thomas, president and owner of Starr Ranch Growers. Thomas has been an active member of the board of directors for the commission since March 2017. The Washington Apple Commission would like to thank Thomas for representing the Washington apple growers of District 3 and his leadership during his seven years of service to the board. Thomas received the Golden Apple Award for his term.
The commission will welcome Hanses at its next board meeting scheduled for March 26, 2024. His experience and dedication will bring value to the table, in addition to his knowledge and commitment to the success of the Washington apple industry.
Left to right: Tommy Hanses, Robert Newell.
Also joining the Washington Apple Commission's board of directors is Robert Newell. Newell will serve as the representative for the Department of Agriculture. Newell, appointed to the position by Derek Sandison, director for the Department of Agriculture, has over 25 years of experience with the Fruit and Vegetable Program and has held the roles of inspector, Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Good Handling Practices (GHP) auditor, supervisor, regional manager and acting program manager.
Newell's appointment will be effective as of March 1, 2024. He takes over the position from Jason Ferrante, WSDA associate deputy director, who had been appointed for the role in January 2022.
For more information:
Jennie Strong
The Washington Apple Commission
jennie.strong@waapple.org
www.waapple.org