The U.S. Apple Association (USApple) has named fourth-generation Virginia apple grower Philip Glaize III of Glaize Apples as chairman of the association’s board of directors for the 2026-27 term.
Raised on his family’s orchard in Winchester, Va., Glaize continues a legacy of both apple growing and industry leadership. His father, Phil Glaize II, served as USApple board chair from 2000-01, making the younger Glaize the second generation of his family to lead the association.
“Some of my earliest memories are dangling out of my dad’s Jeep as we drove through the orchard, and I attended my first Capitol Hill Day when I was just 10 or so,” says the younger Glaize. “This industry has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. I’ve learned that progress rarely happens all at once. It comes from staying engaged, building relationships and continuing to push for change over time. I’m honored to serve as chair and help carry that work forward.”
After graduating from Colorado College and prior to coming back to the family business, Glaize worked in New York City for Red Jacket Orchards, receiving apples at a large warehouse and learning what it takes to move fruit through the supply chain. The experience gave him a broader view of the food system and a desire to help make it work better for growers and consumers alike.
“Philip has a deep understanding of this industry not only from growing up in it, but from showing up for it,” says Jim Bair, president and CEO of USApple. “He understands the challenges growers face, believes strongly in the value of advocacy and isn’t afraid to ask questions about how we can do things better. We’re fortunate to have his leadership as USApple looks to the future.”
Glaize succeeds 2025-26 chair Steve Smith of Washington Fruit Growers in Yakima, Wash. He officially passed the gavel to Glaize at USApple’s board of directors meeting in Chicago at the completion of its Outlook conference Aug. 21. Smith will continue to serve on the board as immediate past chair for the new term.
Along with Glaize and Smith, USApple’s 2026-27 elected board officers include:
- Vice chair — Elizabeth Pauls, Wittenbach Orchards, Michigan.
- Secretary — Bob Mast, president and CEO of CMI Orchards, Washington.
- Treasurer — Kaari Stannard, president and CEO, Yes Apples, New York.
