Dressel Named Chairperson of NYAA Board of Directors

July 18, 2018 — The New York Apple Association (NYAA) announces that Sarah Dressel of Dressel Farms in New Paltz, N.Y. (NYAA District 3) has been named Chairperson of the Board of Directors for NYAA, the organization that represents the 600 commercial apple growers in New York State, the second largest apple producing state in the nation.

“This appointment is significant news for NYAA and for women assuming leadership roles throughout the ag industry,” said NYAA President Cynthia Haskins, adding, “…Sarah comes from a multi-generational apple farm with great experience in direct-to-consumer markets and wholesale. We look forward to her leadership.”

Dressel is a fourth-generation apple grower. She joined the NYAA board in 2016 and served as Vice Chair from 2017-2018. She assumed the Chairperson position at the NYAA board of directors meeting in Lake Placid last month. Jason Woodworth (District 6) of Lamont Fruit Farm in Waterport, N.Y. (NYAA District 6) previously served as NYAA Chairperson.

“It is an honor and a privilege to help lead this organization at such an exciting time in the apple industry,” said Dressel. Recently, the NYAA board completed a strategic planning process and is currently in the process of evolving its presence in the marketplace.

A 2011 graduate of Cornell University, Dressel has a degree in Agricultural Sciences and works in her family’s business managing its retail stand, u-pick operation and all horticultural aspects. Dressel completed the Young Apple Leader program through USApple and currently serves on the board of directors for the Hudson Valley Research Lab. She is a member of the Hudson Valley Young Grower group and recently toured apple growing operations in New Zealand as a member of the International Fruit Tree Association.