After spending the past 35 years marketing pears from the Pacific Northwest and representing the growers in that region, Pear Bureau Northwest President and CEO Kevin Moffitt has determined that it is time to ease out of the position and turn the task of running the organization to someone else.

“As I have contemplated retirement over the last couple of years, everyone told me you will know when it’s time — they were right,” he said.

Moffitt had expected to draw a hard line between work and retirement, but the Pear Bureau, which includes many longtime friends and colleagues, has convinced

Performant Scout, a leading name in executive recruiting with a niche in produce, agribusiness, and food and beverage, announced a significant milestone in its history with the retirement of Stacey Rouse, partner and co-founder, and the successful completion of a buyout by partner and co-founder Vanessa Garcia.

Rouse amassed 26 years of dedicated service in the recruitment industry, including nearly nine years as a co-founder of Performant Scout, which is based in Phoenix. Throughout her tenure at Performant Scout, she has been a cornerstone of the company's success, providing unwavering

After 14 years with Cecelia Packing Corp., and a lifetime of dedicated service in the ag industry, Keith Wilson, sales manager, is retiring effective May 16.

After graduating in 1981 from Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo with a degree in ag business management, Wilson began his career as a field inspector with The Great Atlantic and Pacific Tea Co.'s Fresno-based procurement office. He also shared some time working with the A&P Salinas procurement office. He traveled throughout Washington, Oregon, Arizona and California inspecting the gamut of fruits and vegetables.

After a few years of inspecting

Healthy Family Project announced the appointment of Aimee Smith as the director of partnerships and account development. Aimee brings over a decade of experience in the agriculture industry and a wealth of business development, strategic partnerships, and project management knowledge to her new role.  

As director of partnerships and account development, Aimee will oversee Healthy Family Project brand partner relations, retailer partnerships and lead the top-level strategy and execution of various campaigns throughout the year. She will report directly to Trish James, vice president Healthy

Pear Bureau Northwest announced Jenna Tobin has joined the organization at communications and social media coordinator.

Tobin brings more than six years of social media marketing experience, having spearheaded many successful digital marketing and social media campaigns while at the University of Oregon, Browny Bee Honey and Toolhouse Inc.

"I'm so excited to bring my passion for using digital platforms as a vehicle for storytelling and to advocate for our dedicated pear growers," Tobin said.

Marketing Communications Manager Jim Morris said her background with another agricultural commodity

The Mushroom Council announced the planned transition of Bart Minor, president, who has led the council for 26 years.

“We are grateful to Bart for his dedication and commitment to the industry. He has made significant contributions to creating high demand for fresh mushrooms,” said Michael Stephan, board chair.

The council is conducting a nationwide search for Minor’s successor. It plans to complete this transition no later than Dec. 1. The search committee will post a job overview on the Council’s website. Interested candidates should email a resume and cover letter illustrating career