Chicago (August 24, 2019) —The U.S. Apple Association has named a new Chair to lead its Board of Directors.  Jeff Colombini, a third-generation California grower and tree fruit business owner, will serve the 2019-20 term.

Colombini is president of Lodi Farming, Inc., a company that farms 1,800 acres of apples, cherries, olives, and walnuts in the northern San Joaquin Valley. Prior to farming full time, Colombini worked as an operations analyst for Stanislaus Food Products and as a loan officer for the Farm Credit System.

“Jeff’s significant knowledge of the apple industry, coupled with his business acumen and hands-on leadership, will be a tremendous asset to USApple as he takes on his new role as Chair,” said USApple President and CEO Jim Bair. “Jeff always goes the extra mile to champion the apple industry, whether it’s by participating in a meeting at the White House or on Capitol Hill, speaking at a press event, or capturing video of himself advocating apple issues for social media. We’re excited for the coming year with Jeff at the helm.”

Colombini has been active in the apple industry for years, including three years of service as a USApple officer. His immediate past role was Vice Chair of the USApple Board of Directors.

Aside from his leadership with USApple, Colombini serves as chairman of the California Apple Commission and past chair of the California Cherry Advisory Board and the Olive Oil Commission of California. He currently serves as Secretary for the Olive Oil Commission and is active in the Linden Lions Club, serving as president from 2012-13. He is a graduate of the California Agricultural Leadership Program.

Colombini earned a bachelor’s degree in agriculture business management and a technical degree in fruit science from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. He is married to Sarah and has three children, Andrew, Gianna, and Gillian.

Colombini succeeds 2018-19 Chair Kaari Stannard, owner of New York Apple Sales, Inc., in Glenmont. N.Y.