Meet the New Chair of USApple’s Board of Directors

The U.S. Apple Association has named a new chair to lead its Board of Directors. Fourth-generation Virginia apple grower Philip Glaize III, of Glaize Apples, will serve the 2026-2027 term.

Raised on his family’s orchard in Winchester, VA, Glaize continues a legacy of both apple growing and industry leadership. His father, Phil Glaize II, served as chair of USApple from 2000-2001, making the younger Glaize the second generation of his family to lead the association.

“Philip has a deep understanding of this industry not only from growing up in it, but from showing up for it,” says Jim Bair, President and CEO of USApple. “He understands the challenges growers face, believes strongly in the value of advocacy, and isn’t afraid to ask questions about how we can do things better. We’re fortunate to have his leadership as USApple looks to the future.”

Glaize succeeds 2025-2026 Chair Steve Smith of Washington Fruit Growers in Yakima, WA. The gavel was officially passed from Smith to Glaize at USApple’s Board of Directors meeting in Chicago at the completion of its recent Outlook conference.

USApple’s 2026-2027 elected board officers include:
• Chair: Philip Glaize, III, Head of Operations/Sales, Glaize Apples; VA
• Vice Chair: Elizabeth Pauls, Wittenbach Orchards; MI
• Secretary: Bob Mast, President/CEO of CMI Orchards; WA
• Treasurer: Kaari Stannard, President & CEO, Yes! Apples; NY
• Immediate Past Chair: Steve Smith, VP of Marketing, Washington Fruit Growers; WA

For more information, usapple.org.