WENATCHEE, WA - A Chief transition is in the works as CMI Orchards and New Columbia Fruit Packers (Columbia Fruit) recently announced Brett Reasor’s newest position. The leader will be taking the wheel of Columbia Fruit as its newest Chief Executive Officer as Mike Wade transitions out of his role.
“This is a great opportunity to continue to gain knowledge in the industry, work with a great marketing base in CMI, and dive more into the long-term sustainable strategy that Columbia Fruit is developing,” Reasor said. “That’s something that I think we, as an industry, need to continue to push forward and support.”
Reasor, a Wenatchee, Washington, native, graduated from Washington State University. In the last decade, his experience ranges from working as an Industrial Engineer for Conagra Foods, a General Manager for Custom Apple Packers, and most recently as CEO for Oneonta Trading Corporation, also known as Starr Ranch Growers.
He will be taking on his new role and joining Columbia Fruit starting March 1, 2023.
“Brett brings invaluable experience from his time at Oneonta Trading Corporation as CEO, giving him a solid platform to transition into and add value to CMI’s business,” added Bob Mast, President of CMI Orchards. “CMI strives to be visionaries when it comes to the treefruit industry and adding Brett’s knowledge and expertise to our owners’ business improves our ability to be the best we can be.”
As Reasor takes on his new role, he will be succeeding Mike Wade. Wade will transition to the role of Chairman.
“The treefruit industry is complex and unique and requires extremely capable leadership,” Wade said. “Brett’s drive for innovation and standard for excellence, plus his broad wealth of experience and the respect he holds within the industry, will take Columbia Fruit’s business into this next exciting era.”
Wade further explained that the leadership Reasor will bring to Columbia Fruit imparts significant opportunities for the advancement of key initiatives slated for future development, expansion of regenerative farming efforts, sustainability initiatives, and overall business growth.
New Columbia Fruit Packers works as a partner in the treefruit marketing company CMI, also known as Columbia Marketing International. Columbia Fruit Packers merged with Frosty Packing of Yakima, Washington, in 2022 and is now New Columbia Fruit Packers.
Congratulations to Brett Reasor on this new chapter!
