The U.S. Apple Association has named a new Chair to lead its Board of Directors. Kaari Stannard, a New York marketer, packer and grower will serve the 2018-19 term.

Kaari Stannard

The U.S. Apple Association (USApple) has named Kaari Stannard, a New York marketer, packer and grower, as its new chair to lead its board of directors, according to a news release. She will serve the 2018-19 term, succeeding 2017-18 chair Mark Boyer, co-owner of Ridgetop Orchards near Fishertown, Penn.

“Kaari’s breadth of knowledge about and dedication to the apple industry have been instrumental in helping shape the direction of USApple during her board tenure over the last several years,” said USApple President and CEO Jim Bair in the release. “Her passion for the apple industry, coupled with her ‘can-do’ leadership style, will serve USApple and its members well during the next year.”

Stannard is also a past treasurer and current board member of the U.S. Apple Export Council. She served two terms as board member of the New York Apple Association and is a past member of the grower shipper board for United Fresh Produce Association. She has been in the apple business since 1996 and is owner of New York Apple Sales, Inc., one of the largest marketers of New York state apples.

USApple, a national trade association representing all segments of the apple industry, has members from 40 state and regional associations representing the 7,500 apple growers throughout the country. Visit USApple.org for more information.