Mohamed Dobashi

Mohamed Dobashi

Wafla, the human resources organization responsible for the bulk of Washington’s H-2A guest workers, has some new staff members, including a new CEO.

Mohamed Dobashi will assume duties as CEO of the Olympia, Washington, organization on March 19. He has executive level experience with business in Europe, North America and the Middle East. He holds a law degree from the Northwestern University School of Law and an MBA from Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University, according to a company newsletter.

Hiring a CEO will allow director Dan Fazio to spend more time interacting with member growers and advocate on their behalf for changes in the guest worker program and other issues, Fazio said.

Jeff McLean is the new field services director managing the agency’s Wenatchee office, scheduled to open this spring.

Jeff McLean

Jeff McLean

David Guzman, also a field services manager, began in February managing the Kennewick office.

Steve Davis started as the chief financial officer in December and Amber St. Aubin became the human resources manager in October.

Rick Anderson, special projects director, has retired; George Zanatta, chief operating officer, has left to resume coaching and leadership training; and Heri Chapula, a field services director, will leave March 15 for another job.

The nonprofit agency previously used the name Washington Farm Labor Association.

– By Ross Courtney