Michigan Apple Committee makes transition
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Diane Smith
(800) 456-2753
(Dewitt, Mich.) – The Michigan Apple Committee (MAC) has named a familiar face to its top position, as Diane Smith becomes Interim Executive Director of the organization. Denise Donohue, who headed MAC for nearly eight years, has departed to launch Donohue Associates, a fresh produce and grocery marketing firm.
“Diane has been with the Committee for over 16 years and has incredibly strong institutional knowledge of the organization, the industry and our growers,” said Scott Lewis, a New Era, Mich., grower and MAC Chair. “The board is confident in her ability to lead MAC through this transitional period.”
Smith has served as the Committee’s second-in-charge since 2003. “I am pleased to accept the interim role to ensure that MAC continues to pursue its mission. The staff and I will continue to work hard to promote Michigan fresh apples and processed apple products,” Smith said.
“Denise has been an incredible advocate for the Michigan Apple industry and should be commended for her service to the industry,” Lewis said. “Her efforts opened and grew many markets for our industry, in large part because of her media relations and marketing strategies.”
“I’m departing the committee to bring more focus to what I believe is a real opportunity for agricultural products,” Donohue said. “Diane and I have worked side-by-side on every issue from guest workers to pesticide regulation and other public policy matters, special events and grower outreach over the last eight years. The committee and the apple growers of Michigan will be in good hands!”
The Michigan Apple Committee is a grower-funded, nonprofit organization devoted to promotion, education and research activities to distinguish the Michigan Apple and encourage its consumption by consumers in Michigan and around the world.