The U.S. Apple Association has picked six fellows from across the U.S. to participate in the 2023 class of its emerging leader program, the NextGen Apple Fellowship.
In its second year, the fellowship program focuses on providing professional and leadership development, one-on-one mentoring, hands-on advocacy and community engagement in the apple industry, according to a news release.
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“Following an extensive interview process with applicants from across the country, we are excited to name the 2023 class of the NextGen Apple Fellowship,” Elizabeth Pauls, U.S. Apple board member and chair of the NextGen advisory committee, said in the release. “Each of the fellows was chosen because of their distinguished work in the apple sector, their tremendous potential and their enthusiasm for the fellowship. USApple is excited for this class of individuals who come from diverse careers in the apple industry and balance one another with a vast collection of strengths and expertise.”
The NextGen Apple Fellowship 2023 class includes:
- Kostas Batziakas — senior scientist and technical project manager for Crunch Pak, Cashmere, Wash.
- Ely Giroux — production manager for Chazy Orchards, Chazy, N.Y.
- Emily Kropf — associate crop insurance specialist for Michagan-based GreenStone Farm Credit Services.
- Aimee Peters — business development manager, West Coast, for First Fruits Farm in Washington state.
- Jesus Rodriguez — horticulturalist and assistant area manager for Washington Fruit and Produce Co. in Washington state.
- Jennie Strong — communications and outreach specialist for Washington Apple Commission, Wenatchee, Wash.
The 2023 NextGen Apple Fellowship will have its kickoff meeting in Washington, D.C., March 14-17, in conjunction with USApple’s Capitol Hill Day. The fellowship program runs through December 2023.
Learn more about the fellowship at the NextGen Apple Fellowship site.
