Sarah Dressel of Dressel Farms in New Paltz, New York, has been named chairperson of the board of directors for the New York Apple Association, the organization that represents the 600 commercial apple growers in New York.
In an announcement, NYAA President Cynthia Haskins called the appointment significant for NYAA and for women assuming leadership roles throughout the agriculture industry.
“Sarah comes from a multi-generational apple farm with great experience in direct-to-consumer markets and wholesale,” she said. “We look forward to her leadership.”
Dressel is a fourth-generation apple grower. She joined the NYAA board in 2016 and served as vice chair from 2017 to 2018. She assumed the chairperson position in July, succeeding Jason Woodworth of Lamont Fruit Farm in Waterport, New York.
“It is an honor and a privilege to help lead this organization at such an exciting time in the apple industry,” Dressell said.
A 2011 graduate of Cornell University, Dressel has a degree in agricultural sciences and works in her family’s business managing its retail stand, U-pick operation and all horticultural aspects.
Dressel completed the Young Apple Leader program through USApple and currently serves on the board of directors for the Hudson Valley Research Lab.
She is a member of the Hudson Valley Young Grower group and recently toured apple growing operations in New Zealand as a member of the International Fruit Tree Association.
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