Marketing specialist to fill retiring Rebecca Lyons’ role

The Washington Apple Commission (WAC) has promoted Lindsey Huber to the position of international marketing manager.

Huber is now responsible for overseeing promotional marketing activities in over 25 countries on behalf of the 1,260 apple growers in Washington State, US.     

(l-r) Lindsey Huber and Jennie Strong

Huber succeeds Rebecca Lyons, who announced her retirement at WAC’s March board meeting.

“Lindsey has been an integral part of the WAC marketing team and has the knowledge and experience to take on the challenges and opportunities in the coming seasons,” Lyons said.                        

Huber has worked in the fresh produce industry for over 20 years, filling roles in sales, marketing, purchasing, grower relations, and quality control.

She joined WAC  in 2015 as the organisation’s international marketing specialist.

“We have a great team at WAC, both colleagues and our contractors in international markets, and we all share the same passion for promoting Washington apples to consumers around the world,” Huber said.

“I’ve learned so much in my time at the Washington Apple Commission, and I look forward to continuing to grow with the organisation.”

WAC’s communications and outreach specialist, Jennie Strong, will take on the international marketing specialist role. Strong joined WAC in 2022.

“The industry is more expansive than I ever though,” said Strong. “Learning the ropes and getting to know industry leaders and professionals has been amazing and eye-opening.

“I feel very fortunate that I’ve had both Lindsey and Rebecca on my side , mentoring me, and I’m so excited to be a part of this next chapter at WAC.” 

Lyons started at WAC in 1999 as the international marketing manager for the Latin American markets.

During her tenure, Lyons played a significant role in securing over US$100m in USDA Market Access Program funds to promote Washington apples in international markets, as well as almost A$10m in recent Agricultural Trade Promotions funds.  

“It’s been a team effort to fund our export programmes and we are fortunate to have a fantastic group on the home front, however without our network of international in-market representatives we would not be effective,” Lyons said.

“Joining the commission was an amazing opportunity to market a wholesome product to consumers in over 25 different countries and to leverage federal Market Access Program funding to solidify the Washington Apple brand as the international standard of quality for apples.”

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