The U.S. Apple Association announced Christopher Gerlach will join the organization as director of industry analytics.

According to a news release from USApple, Gerlach will assume the portfolio of longtime USApple team member Mark Seetin, who is currently a part-time employee and moving toward retirement. Seetin and Gerlach will overlap to ensure a smooth transition.

Gerlach previously served as the director of research for the International Council of Shopping Centers and has a wealth of experience in public policy research and economic analysis. He holds a master’s degree in regional planning from the University of North Carolina and an MBA from the George Washington University School of Business.

“Chris’ talent for economic analysis is impressive and will help take USApple to the next level of effectiveness,” said USApple President and CEO Jim Bair. “His skillset will supercharge everything we do.”

According to the release, Gerlach’s portfolio at USApple will draw on his experience to generate state-specific data on farmgate value of the apple crop and downstream jobs and economic activity; analyze and report industry analytics to support USApple policies and lobbying activities; prepare Market News, USApple’s monthly storage report of apple inventory; and provide market intelligence on apple varieties, availability and market conditions to assist the Agriculture Department in making government purchases for school and military programs.

“With Mark Seetin’s eventual retirement in the offing, we looked at it as an opportunity to re-think and update the position, and bring in skills that will add new value to the national voice of the apple industry,” Bair said.

Gerlach will join USApple on July 20.

—by Jonelle Mejica