Huber to head marketing for WA Apple Commission

WENATCHEE — Jessica Huber has been named to the position of international marketing manager for the Washington Apple Commission. Huber will replace Rebecca Lyons, who has announced her retirement effective June 30.

Huber has worked for the apple commission since 2015 and has been an international marketing specialist.

“She handled the development of international promotions, worked on strategic planning and assisted in the yearly federal grant application that is used to help fund Washington apple international activities,” according to a press release from the apple commission.

Lyons has worked for the apple commission since 1999, the press release said, starting as the commission’s international marketing manager for Latin America. She said there have been a lot of changes in the apple market during her tenure.

“When I started in 1999, there were over 42 different grower/packer/shipper organizations directly exporting to international markets and the Red Delicious variety made up 46% of the total crop. Now there are half the number of sales organizations and Red Delicious is less than 14% (of the crop),” she said.

Jennie Strong, currently the commission’s communications and outreach specialist, has been hired as international marketing manager, replacing Huber.