Chris’ portfolio at USApple draws on his strong analytic and research experience to generate state-specific data on farmgate value of the apple crop and downstream jobs and economic activity; analyze and report industry analytics to support USApple policies and lobbying activities; prepare Market News, USApple’s premiere monthly storage report of apple inventory; and provide market intelligence on apple varieties, availability and market conditions to assist the Agriculture Department in making government purchases for school and military programs.
Prior to joining USApple, Chris directed research at the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC). In this role he was responsible for generating original research on the economic and social contributions of the $6.7 trillion retail real estate industry. Prior to joining ICSC, Gerlach worked as a consultant utilizing sophisticated economic impact models to assist public-sector entities achieve long-term strategic development goals. He began his career as an analyst with the CoStar Group, Inc., a leading provider of commercial real estate information and analytics.
Chris holds a Master of Regional Planning degree from the University of North Carolina and an MBA from the George Washington University School of Business.