The people behind the work
We bring together people working across field services, research, outreach, program administration and operations.
Meet Our Team
Different roles put our team in different parts of the Pacific Northwest berry industry—from working directly in commercial fields and supporting research projects to communicating with growers, coordinating funding programs and keeping the organization moving behind the scenes.
Together, that mix of experience helps us understand the industry from more than one perspective.
would you like to meet our team members?
Our Team
Our core team works across NBF’s programs, services and regional industry initiatives.
Julie Pond
Executive Director
Julie leads the organizational direction and works across the industry to build relationships with growers, researchers and partner organizations. She also supports the team and helps move the programs and collaborative initiatives forward.
Jason Myer
Field & Research Director
Jason leads our field services and research activities, working directly with growers, researchers and industry organizations. He oversees field monitoring, applied research and projects that connect regional research with what’s happening on-farm.
Rich Szutenbach
Farm Liaison & Agricultural Science Specialist
Rich brings agricultural science and field experience to our research, grower relationships and industry projects. He works directly with growers, researchers and industry partners to connect technical knowledge with practical field needs.
Elisa Lockhart
Organization & Operations Manager
Elisa keeps our day-to-day operations organized and moving. She manages financial administration and organizational support across our programs, projects and team.
Abby C. Gearing
Creative Projects & Marketing Director
Abby develops our digital tools and platforms while leading the organization’s outward communications and brand. Her work connects research translation, digital communication, design and technology to make information easier for growers and industry audiences to access and use.
Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors provides governance and organizational oversight for the Northwest Berry Foundation.
Board members bring perspectives from across agriculture, research and the wider industry while helping ensure we remain accountable to its mission and responsibilities as a nonprofit organization.
Matt Unger
Board President
MK Unger Farms
Micah Weiss
Board Vice President
Always Fresh
Tom Walters
Board Treasurer/Secretary
Walters Ag Research
Dan Ambrosi
Fall Creek Nursery
Jen McFarlane
E.S. Cropconsult Ltd
Gavin Willis
Washington Red Raspberry Commission
Navtej Bains
Westberry Farms
Seasonal Field Team
During the growing season, seasonal field technicians expand our field team and support monitoring, research and other on-farm work across the region. Their work helps us maintain field coverage during one of the busiest and most time-sensitive parts of the year.
Emily Hayden
Allie Chapman
Emily Macks
Allison Bailey
Lydia Beebe
Addy Zimpleman
Work with our team
Whether you’re looking for field support, have a research or outreach need, want to discuss a funding program or simply aren’t sure who you need to speak with, we’ll help connect you with the right person.
Contact NBF