Jan 9, 2018

Grondine to guide USApple consumer health, media relations

Tracy Grondine joins U.S. Apple Association (USApple) on Jan. 22 as the association’s director of consumer health and media relations. Grondine brings significant experience as a communications leader in agriculture, energy and pension reform sectors, including 11 years as the director of media relations for the American Farm Bureau Federation and its nearly six million members.

She has particular expertise in managing relations with high-profile TV, radio and print media, especially in the area of crisis communications. Grondine’s portfolio of responsibilities will also include working to raise consumer knowledge about the health benefits of apples and apple products, and executing programs to create and leverage the positive buzz about apple varieties and their taste profiles.

USApple president & CEO Jim Bair said “Tracy’s strong background in agricultural associations will pay dividends as we will be better able to synchronize our communications and government affairs programs. Her ability to see the whole playing field will be a valuable asset for USApple.”

“I’m thrilled to be joining the U.S. Apple Association and returning to my agriculture roots,” said Grondine. “It’s with great enthusiasm I take the helm of the industry’s consumer health and media relations efforts to promote the positive benefits of apples and the farmers who grow them. USApple has an award-winning consumer education program and I look forward to joining such a strong, dedicated and dynamic staff and building on its successful work.”

Most recently Grondine managed communications for the pension reform efforts of the Retirement Security Initiative. She has also worked for the National Corn Growers Association, and as a crisis communications specialist at a public relations firm. She holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and government from the University of Charleston and a master’s in political management from The George Washington University.