May 15, 2017

Westcott joins Okanagan Specialty Fruits as director of operations

Okanagan Specialty Fruits (OSF), the developer of non-browning Arctic apple varieties, has hired Don Westcott as team as OSF’s director of operations. Effective May 15,  Westcott, based in Summerland, British Columbia, Canada will assess, plan and facilitate the execution of the company’s orchard establishment and fruit production, in addition to supporting infrastructure and facility operations.

According to a news release, Westcott comes to OSF with over 20 years of tree fruit industry experience, most recently with BC Tree Fruits Cooperative as its Director of Logistics, Planning, and Industry Relations. Prior to his tenure with BC Tree Fruits, Westcott held multiple roles over eight years with Okanagan Tree Fruit Cooperative, preceded by a nine-year stint with Sun Fresh Cooperative Growers in a variety of positions.

“We are thrilled to add a professional of Don’s caliber to help lead our rapidly growing team,” stated OSF President Neal Carter. Carter pointed to Westcott’s past roles and local ties as key reasons for his fit with OSF, explaining, “Over the past two decades, Don has been a key leader in the tree fruit industry in the Okanagan Valley, and his experience and enthusiasm will help ensure the successful commercialization of our non-browning Arctic apple varieties.”

Westcott expressed his eagerness to join Okanagan Specialty Fruits, saying, “I am proud to become part of this hard-working team that’s bringing innovation to the tree fruit industry, beginning with Arctic apples. The same spirit that drives OSF motivates me and I couldn’t be more pleased to bring my organizational skills and experience to this central role with a pioneering organization like OSF.”

Westcott’s addition comes just weeks after OSF announced a number of other new hires, including Jeanette De-Coninck-Hertzler as sales manager and Denise Everett as communications specialist.