Washington Apple Education Foundation adds four board members

Yakima’s Brandon Flory has been elected to the Washington Apple Education Foundation Board of Directors.

WASHINGTON APPLE EDUCATION FOUNDATION

Greg Koch, the CEO of Olympic Fruit, was elected to join the WAEF board at their meeting in May.

WASHINGTON APPLE EDUCATION FOUNDATION

As the CFO of Auvil Fruit in Orondo, Jenny Faletto makes a natural addition to the WAEF Board of Directors.

WASHINGTON APPLE EDUCATION FOUNDATION

Mac Riggan of Wenatchee grew up in his family’s orchard and now, in addition to his work for Chelan Fresh, he’ll be joining the WAEF board.

WASHINGTON APPLE EDUCATION FOUNDATION

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WENATCHEE — The Washington Apple Education Foundation has added four new members to its Board of Directors, bringing additional leadership experience from across Washington's tree fruit industry.

Elected during the foundation's annual meeting in May were Brandon Flory of Yakima, Jenny Faletto of Orondo, Greg Koch of Yakima and Mac Riggan of Wenatchee. They join 16 current board members representing the tree fruit industry and related businesses.

Board Chairman Tyler Price said the new directors will help advance the foundation's mission of supporting students from Washington's tree fruit communities.

"We are pleased to welcome Brandon, Greg, Jenny, and Mac to the WAEF Board of Directors," Price said. "Each has demonstrated leadership within our industry and communities, and we look forward to the experience and perspective they will contribute as WAEF continues serving students and strengthening rural Washington."

Flory serves as chief financial officer for Gilbert Orchards and Sundquist Fruit. After beginning his career in public accounting, the Washington State University graduate returned to the tree fruit industry, where he oversees financial operations for both companies.

Koch is chief executive officer of Olympic Fruit in Yakima. A licensed certified public accountant, he has worked in the tree fruit industry since his teens and brings experience in production, operations and executive leadership.

Faletto, who serves as chief financial officer of Auvil Fruit in Orondo, has more than 20 years of experience in public accounting and agricultural finance. Raised in the Yakima Valley, she credits educational opportunities with helping shape her career.

Riggan is vice president of sales and business development for Chelan Fresh in Wenatchee. Having grown up working in his family's cherry orchard, he has built a career spanning orchard operations, sales and business development.

The Washington Apple Education Foundation is the charitable arm of Washington's tree fruit industry. The organization awards more than $1.3 million in scholarships each year and provides year-round programming to help students succeed in higher education and prepare for careers.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media