Following the announcement earlier this year that Todd Fryhover, president of the Washington Apple Commission, planned to retire later this year, the commission has announced Michael Schadler as Fryhover’s successor.
Fryhover led the Washington Apple Commission for 18 years.
Schadler was previously the executive vice president for the Florida Tomato Exchange, the Florida Tomato Growers Exchange and the Florida Tomato Committee. He will begin his new role in September and will work closely with the commission’s international marketing team to develop and implement strategies for promotional programs in foreign markets, according to a news release.
“Having been away from Washington for more than a decade, I’m excited to be returning and to have the opportunity to work on behalf of the state’s signature crop,” Schadler said in the release. “I’m looking forward to helping the apple industry manage a very competitive international landscape. There are a lot of headwinds, but the industry is well-positioned to continue building on its long-term export success. It will be a privilege to join the Washington Apple Commission this September.”
He will also serve as the primary liaison for Washington apple growers and shippers, the commission’s board of directors, industry organizations and the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service.
Before his roles representing Florida tomato growers, packers and shippers, Schadler directed international marketing programs for the Florida Department of Citrus for three years, the release said.
He is also a member of several trade committees including the USDA Advisory Committee for Trade in Fruits and Vegetables, the Canadian Produce Association North American Trade Committee, the Florida Farm Bureau Fruit and Vegetable Advisory Committee, the International Fresh Produce Association Government Relations Council and the Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance.
He graduated from the University of Washington in 2002 with a bachelor’s degree in international studies.
“Michael’s background with trade associations, international marketing, advocacy and grower relations make him an ideal fit for this position,” Fryhover said in the release. “I have confidence Michael and WAC staff will work seamlessly to represent the Washington apple grower community and take our programs to the next level in these challenging times for Washington State tree fruit.”
Related: Washington Apple Commission president reflects on a career in the industry
