Jun 20, 2016

Jim Allen will step down from NYAA in January

Jim Allen will retire as president and CEO of New York Apple Association (NYAA) on Jan. 2, 2017. Allen has headed the NYAA since 2000.

Allen joined NYAA in 1996 as retail program director, and was named to the association’s top job four years later. As NYAA’s senior executive, he represents more than 675 apple growers across New York state, overseeing all promotional, grower education, communications, market research and public and government affairs activities. He represents the New York industry on U.S. Apple Association (USApple) committees and that group’s board, and has served three times as chair of the U.S. Apple Export Council.

Prior to joining NYAA, Allen led export sales and procurement for Sun Orchard Fruit, Burt, New York, and worked in procurement and sales for Keystone Fruit Marketing, Greencastle, Pennsylvania.

United Fresh Produce Association named Allen “Produce Industry Advocate of the Year” in 2007.

“It has been a privilege and pleasure to serve such a great industry for so many years,” Allen said. “I have been fortunate to work with many dedicated people, from the growing communities to the board room. As I look back on my career, one of my greatest satisfactions has been working with industry from across the country, on topics ranging from production and marketing to politics and international trade.”

Apple and produce industry leaders lauded Allen’s longtime service and contributions.

“Jim has become the backbone of the New York apple industry and is recognized worldwide for his leadership,” said Will Gunnison, outgoing chairman of NYAA’s board of directors. “His 20 years of service is greatly appreciated by the New York industry, and he will be greatly missed. I wish him all the best in his future endeavors.”

It has truly been an honor to work in unison with Jim over the years – the U.S. apple industry is losing a great asset,” said Todd Fryhover, president of the Washington Apple Commission. “In a competitive U.S. apple industry, Jim has always been able to see the bigger picture and promote consensus amongst differing geographic apple-growing states for the greater good of all apple producers.”

“Jim’s tireless advocacy for the apple industry, and his fellowship, will be missed,” said Jim Bair, president and CEO of USApple. “USApple has frequently leaned on Jim in legislative matters because of his credibility with New York members of Congress  – of every stripe – who all like him so much. Of course, on a personal level we are all very happy for him, and wish him well in whatever opportunities he pursues next.”

Search committee

Gunnison announced that a search committee has been established to find NYAA’s next president and CEO. The committee will engage a search firm to assist them.