Chief Executive Officer

About the New York Apple Association

The New York Apple Association (NYAA) represents more than 500 apple growers across New York State and serves as the official marketing and promotion organization for New York apples. Rooted in a proud agricultural tradition and supported by a diverse network of growers, shippers, and industry partners, the Association works to advance the long-term competitiveness of New York apples in local, national, and global markets.Through strategic market development and coordinated promotional efforts, NYAA strengthens demand while ensuring that growers’ interests are effectively represented across the supply chain.As the Association enters a new chapter of leadership, NYAA seeks a Chief Executive Officer who can provide steady direction, build alignment with stakeholders, and position the organization for sustainability and positive impact in the years ahead.

Position Summary

The CEO serves as the chief executive and principal spokesperson of the New York Apple Association. Reporting directly to the President and Board of Directors, the CEO is responsible for advancing the Association’s strategic direction, ensuring effective organizational leadership, and representing the collective interests of New York apple growers across the marketplace.We seek a dynamic leader capable of building alignment across a diverse industry while guiding the Association through evolving market dynamics and stakeholder expectations.The CEO must translate the vision into action to increase apple consumption and help New York apples remain competitive and well-positioned for long-term growth in both domestic and international markets.The position demands both strategic perspective, disciplined execution, and dynamic communication, ensuring that promotional initiatives are effective, contract obligations are met, and the Association remains aligned, responsive, and forward-looking.

Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership

• Act as the primary public-facing representative for NYAA and the New York Apple Industry.
• Lead development and execution of NYAA’s annual marketing and operating plans.

• Provide clear strategic direction aligned with the Association’s long-term goals.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen the industry’s competitive position in the market.

Marketing & Industry Promotion

• Development and execution of domestic and international marketing initiatives designed to strengthen demand for apples in collaboration with shippers.
• Oversee communications strategy, including grower communications, public messaging, press engagement, and annual reporting.
• Evaluate promotional programs and industry events to ensure measurable impact and continuous improvement.
• Coordinate with BOD to align campaign strategy with industry priorities.
• Oversee communication of industry data, market updates, and seasonal information to stakeholders.

Stakeholder Engagement & Relationship Building

• Serve as the liaison between industry partners.
• Maintains a strong understanding of government policy and regulatory developments affecting the fresh produce and apple industries.
• Represent the Association at grower meetings, industry conferences, trade events, and public forums.
• Facilitate public meetings, Board meetings, committee sessions, and industry working groups.
• Strengthen relationships across geographic regions and supply chain segments to promote unity and shared purpose.
• Foster improved grower outreach and communication statewide.

Organizational & Staff Leadership

• Experienced organizational leader who can build, manage, and inspire a team while maintaining accountability, clear communication, and a results-oriented culture.
• Lead and develop Association staff, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and professionalism.
• Work in strong partnership with the Board of Directors and Executive Committee to advance strategic priorities.
• Prepare Board materials and support governance processes in accordance with bylaws and best practices.

Financial & Operational Oversight

• Develop and manage the Association’s annual budget.
• Ensure responsible stewardship of marketing order funds and state funding resources.
• Maintain compliance with bylaws, regulatory requirements, and board governance standards.
• Lead a data-driven organization by establishing clear performance metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs), evaluating program outcomes, and using insights from industry data and market performance to guide strategic decision-making and resource allocation.
• Oversee grant development and administration when aligned with Association goals.

Industry Relations

• Work directly with state and federal agencies regarding marketing orders and the association’s compliance with state funding.
• Coordinate communications related to marketing order requirements and industry obligations.
• Monitor market developments and communicate implications to the Board and stakeholders.

Qualifications & Competencies

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• A strong record of building and sustaining professional relationships across diverse stakeholder groups.
• Senior leadership experience in marketing, communications, governmental affairs, association, and association management.
• Strong communication and conflict-resolution skills, with the ability to navigate differing perspectives and build consensus among growers, shippers, retailers, and industry stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to lead marketing or promotional initiatives with measurable results.
• Experience in agriculture, produce, or a related field is a plus.
• Experience managing organizational operations, staff performance, and multiple concurrent priorities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking, industry presentation, and direct-to-camera social media.
• Financial management and budget oversight experience.

• Strategic judgment and problem-solving capability.
• Agricultural industry experience is beneficial; however, demonstrated executive leadership and marketing capability are essential.

Travel & Work Expectations

• Valid driver’s license required.
• Residence in, or willingness to relocate to, New York State.
• Position is based in the NYAA office in Fishers, NY, with regular in-office presence expected.
• Regular statewide travel required; occasional national or international travel may also be required.
• Availability for evening and weekend commitments during peak industry events.
• May occasionally have to lift up to 40 lbs. for event and meeting materials.

Compensation & Benefits

The salary range for this position is $110,000 – $130,000, depending on experience and qualifications. NYAA offers a competitive benefits package, which may include healthinsurance, a 401(k) retirement plan, paid time off (PTO), and travel reimbursement.NYAA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

How to Apply

Qualified candidates are invited to submit application materials via email to Carrie Wafler, carriewafler@gmail.com Applicants should provide the materials outlined below to assist the committee in evaluating qualifications and overall fit for the role.

• Resume outlining relevant professional experience and leadership roles.
• Cover Letter describing your interest in the position and how your background and experience align with the responsibilities and priorities of the New York Apple Association.

• Three Professional References, including names, titles, email addresses, and phone numbers.
• Video Introduction (2–3 minutes): A brief video introducing yourself and explaining your interest in serving as Chief Executive Officer of the New York Apple Association and representing the New York apple industry. Videos should be provided as a shareable link.

• Optional Work Samples or Portfolio, such as examples of marketing campaigns, presentations, publications, or other work relevant to the responsibilities of the position.

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Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.