Washington State Fruit Commission Welcomes New Leader

The Washington State Fruit Commission has appointed Eric Patrick as its new President to oversee marketing efforts for cherries and canned pears grown in the Northwest, as well as its industry education programs, effective March 2. He succeeds longtime President B.J. Thurlby, who retired Dec. 31, 2025 after 30 years with the commission. Thurlby had been battling cancer and passed away Jan. 10 following a medical procedure for his illness.

Patrick has spent the past 20 years as marketing director for the Grant J. Hunt Co., a West Coast-based distributor and wholesaler of conventional and organic fresh produce with distribution throughout North America, where he also has worked closely with Northwest Cherries on cherry promotions. Leveraging his agricultural experience, he also operated a marketing division that offered services ranging from print, logo and advertising design to category management. Patrick has also worked very closely with Tajin seasonings, working with the Tajin produce alliance team setting up promotions, collaborations and demos throughout North America and will continue in this capacity.

He previously spent two years as marketing director for Domex Superfresh Growers.

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