The Washington Apple Commission announced the hiring of Jennie Strong as the commission’s new communications and outreach specialist. Strong earned a bachelor’s degree in communications from Purdue University and an associate degree in baking and pastry arts from Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts. She joined the commission in July and will be responsible for developing communications for Washington apple grower and shipper members, international representatives, media and other audiences to increase brand awareness and link international promotional programs to industry sales efforts. —by Jonelle Mejica