Dec 15, 2021

USApple hires Mitchell Liwanag as manager of association services

The U.S. Apple Association announced Dec. 15 Mitchell Liwanag will join the organization as manager of association services.

Liwanag brings a background of agriculture and association management experience to the role. His portfolio will include financial and office management; meeting logistics and program support; membership, data analysis and communications assistance; and congressional visit coordination.

Liwanag comes to USApple from the National Communication Association where he managed day-to-day office and building operations and assisted with membership management. Prior to this, Liwanag worked for the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture as a policy intern. Here he conducted research on legislative issues, provided policy analysis to staff and helped manage logistics during NASDA’s annual meeting. He also interned with former U.S. Congressman Jeff Denham (Calif.).

A native of Stockton, Calif., Liwanag was active in both 4-H and FFA growing up and spent summers picking peaches at a local orchard.

“Mitchell’s knowledge of agriculture and his solid background in association management will be a huge asset for USApple,” USApple President and CEO Jim Bair said in a news release. “We are excited for Mitchell to join the organization and bring his expertise to this critical role.”

Liwanag holds a Master of Public Policy, with a concentration in environmental policy, from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, and a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Communication from the California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.

“I am elated to be returning to my agricultural roots and joining the USApple team,” said Liwanag. “I look forward to working with USApple’s members and industry partners to help protect and advance America’s most celebrated fruit.”

Liwanag joins USApple on Jan. 15, 2022.