McLean, VA (May 21, 2026) — The U.S. Apple Association (USApple) announces the newest members of its leadership development program, the USApple NextGen Fellowship. Ten Fellows from across the country have been selected to participate in the 2026 class. Read their bios here.

  1. Apolinar “Apol” Blanco – Sustainability, Social Responsibility & Food Safety Manager; Chelan Fresh (East Wenatchee, WA)
  2. Auna Lundberg – Sr. Marketing Manager; Stemilt Growers (Wenatchee, WA)
  3. Bryson Nix – Orchard Manager; Apple Wedge Packers & Cider (Hendersonville, NC)
  4. James Rowley – Farm Manager; Cherry Hill Farms (Santaquin, UT)
  5. Kelley Chase – Social Media Manager, Peach Ridge Orchard Supply; Legislative Aide, Michigan House of Representatives (Haslett, MI)
  6. Guadalupe “Lupe” Villasenor – Crop Insurance Agent; Insure.ag (Pasco, WA)
  7. Nettie Hurry – Sales & Product Development; Adams County Nursery (Biglerville, PA)
  8. Nick Willett – Applications Manager; Gilbert Orchards (Yakima, WA)
  9. Scott Kneeland – Orchard Manager; Russell Farms Inc. (Appleton, NY)
  10. Stephanie Rojas, SHRM-CP – Human Resources Director; Taggares Fruit Company (Kennewick, WA)

The NextGen program focuses on hands-on experience with legislative and regulatory issues, professional development, a one-on-one mentorship program, opportunities to network with top industry leaders, and team building.
“Coming from diverse regions and sectors of the industry, this class is united by a strong commitment to leadership, professional growth, and advancing the apple industry,” said Elizabeth Pauls, USApple Board Secretary and Chair of the NextGen Advisory Committee. “We were incredibly impressed by the caliber of this year’s applicants and look forward to seeing the selected Fellows use their talent and enthusiasm to strengthen both the apple industry and USApple.” 

The NextGen program kicks off with virtual sessions before Fellows gather in person at USApple’s Outlook conference in Chicago this August. The program will culminate at USApple’s Capitol Hill Day in Washington, D.C., in March 2027. Virtual sessions include professional development exercises, guest speakers from across the industry, advocacy and policy education, and group discussions.

Throughout the program year, NextGen Fellows will be featured on USApple’s social media through monthly takeovers of the #FreshPicks series. Be sure to follow along here.

The 2026 NextGen Fellowship is proudly supported by Harvest sponsors AgWest Farm Credit and Farm Credit Council, whose leadership and investment help make the program possible.

USApple also thanks Pollinator sponsor Superfresh Growers. Additional sponsorship opportunities are available – please reach out if you’re interested in supporting the next generation of apple industry leaders.

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Contact: Lynsee Gibbons
lgibbons@usapple.org