The U.S. Apple Association has named the newest members of its leadership development program, the NextGen Apple Fellowship.
The seven fellows selected to participate in the 2025 class include:
- Julieta Castillo, marketing coordinator, Superfresh Growers (Washington).
- Zachary Cohen, sales, Cohen Produce Marketing (Pennsylvania).
- William Gant, production coordinator, CMI Orchards LLC (Washington).
- Theresa Kober, food safety manager, Riveridge Produce Marketing Inc. (Michigan).
- Tyler Mooney, planning and analytics manager, Stemilt Growers LLC (Washington).
- Shelbi Perkins, key account manager PNW, BeeHero (Washington).
- Marshall Saunders, sales, Saunders Brothers Inc. (Virginia).
The NextGen Apple Fellowship focuses on hands-on experience with legislative and regulatory issues, professional development, a one-on-one mentorship program, opportunities to network with top industry leaders, community engagement and more, the release said.
“Following an extensive interview process with applicants from across the country, we are excited to name the 2025 class of the NextGen Apple Fellowship,” said Elizabeth Pauls of Wittenbach Orchards in Michigan, USApple board member and chair of the NextGen Advisory Committee. “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. As the national apple association, we’re looking forward to harnessing their skills and voice for the betterment of the industry.”
The 2025 NextGen Apple Fellowship will have its kickoff meeting in Washington, D.C., March 24-26, in conjunction with USApple’s Capitol Hill Day. The program will run through December 2025.
USApple said it will be introducing each member of the class on Instagram over the next month.
