Tom Hurson
Tom Hurson

Tom Hurson, president and CEO of Tree Top Inc., announced his retirement from the company, and Craig Green, current chief financial officer, will replace him as president and CEO, according to a news release from Tree Top.

After serving as CEO since 2017, and with a total of 36 years at Tree Top, Hurson plans to retire in August.

“Under Tom’s leadership, Tree Top experienced tremendous growth,” Alan Groff, chairman of Tree Top’s board of directors, said in the release. “Tom led the effort to stabilize the business, decreased company debt and executed plans for meaningful long-term growth, ultimately making 2020 the most successful year in Tree Top’s history.”

During his career, Hurson served on the board of the Juice Products Association, the Apple Processors Association and the U.S. Apple Association. He also served on multiple community-based boards.

Craig Green
Craig Green

As Hurson prepares for retirement, Green will transition into his new role. Since joining the company in 2017, Green has played an essential part in transforming Tree Top’s profitability by modernizing how the co-op manages and measures its business, its cash flow and its debt, according to the release.

“Green has worked closely with the Tree Top board of directors,” Groff said. “We see his talent and tireless commitment to Tree Top. Green has grown personally and professionally and excels with new challenges. We are confident he is ready to excel as our CEO.”

Formed in 1960, the Tree Top cooperative has headquarters in Selah, Washington, and facilities in Washington, Oregon and California that process more than 400,000 tons of fruit each year.

—by Jonelle Mejica