Washington Red Raspberry Commission director retires

After more than two decades of leadership, Henry Bierlink has officially retired from his role as executive director of the Washington Red Raspberry Commission (WRRC). 

Gavin Willis, a longtime Washington ag industry veteran, has been named Bierlink’s successor.

Bierlink “caps a distinguished career dedicated to supporting Washington’s agricultural community,” according to a news release. “His retirement not only celebrates a legacy of leadership, but also ushers in a new chapter under recently appointed executive director Gavin Willis.

Bierlink was executive director since 2000, guiding the commission’s research, marketing and public policy efforts during a period of significant evolution in the industry. A lifelong Whatcom County resident, Bierlink brought firsthand farming experience and a background in public policy to the role, helping position WRRC as a leading voice for raspberry growers across the region, according to the release.

In addition to his role at WRRC, Bierlink served as administrator of the Ag Water Board of Whatcom County, playing a key role in shaping local water policy and protecting farmers’ access to this critical resource. 

“Henry’s leadership has left a lasting mark on Washington agriculture,” Mark Van Mersbergen, WRRC board of directors chairman, said in the release. “He’s been a trusted advocate for growers and a bridge between generations of farmers. As we look to the future, we’re confident Gavin’s experience and thoughtful, science-based approach will help the Commission build on Henry’s legacy and continue to advance the industry.”

Willis brings more than a decade of experience in agriculture and natural resource management to the executive director role, where he will oversee WRRC’s research portfolio, as well as its trade and advocacy programs. He has worked alongside Bierlink in recent years, most recently serving as executive director of the Ag Water Board of Whatcom County. 

Prior to his leadership roles in agricultural policy, Willis worked in the poultry industry and with a local agricultural nonprofit, where he focused on public outreach and education. He also served on the faculty of Western Washington University (WWU) for five years and holds both a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Master of Education in Environmental Education from WWU.

“It’s an honor to serve Washington’s raspberry growers in this role,” Willis said in the release. “Henry’s leadership has laid an incredibly strong foundation, and I look forward to building on that work by supporting innovation, advocating for our growers and helping the industry thrive for generations to come.”

Representing 90% of the nation’s frozen red raspberries grown in Washington, the Lyndon, Washington-based Washington Red Raspberry Commission (WRRC) promotes the taste, health benefits and versatility of frozen Washington red raspberries.