Good Fruit Grower is gaining a new advertising sales coordinator.

Germaine Newstead joined the magazine July 1 to succeed longtime coordinator Theresa Currell, who retires in September.

In addition to working in fruit sales, Newstead has experience in customer service and sales for Starbucks Corp., Shurfine International and Nestle Foods Corp.

“We’re lucky to have someone of Germaine’s caliber joining our team,” said managing editor Shannon Dininny.

A native of Bakersfield, California, Newstead earned a bachelor’s degree in agricultural business from California State University, Fresno.

“I’m glad to be back in the agriculture industry, and I’m looking forward to building new relationships in this industry,” she said.

Newstead is a married mother of three children who enjoys cooking and spending time with her family.

Spending more time with family is what’s on the docket for Currell, who will be returning to her native Florida.

“Of all the places I’ve worked, this has been my favorite job because the people have been so great,” Currell said. “But I am looking forward to getting back closer to family, and of course, no more winters.”

“In her 22 years with the magazine, Theresa has been an integral part of the Good Fruit Grower family,” Dininny said. “We’ll miss her but also wish her well on her well-earned retirement.”

—by Shannon Dininny