Washington State University is taking a team approach to leading the Tree Fruit Research and Extension Center in Wenatchee.

Physiologist Lee Kalcsits will handle part of the duties from his newly created position as programmatic lead starting Dec. 1, according to a news release from the university.

The new role for Kalcsits, the endowed chair for tree fruit physiology and management, is part of WSU’s approach to split director duties at the center, the release said.

A new facilities and operations manager, soon to be named, will handle administrative functions and industry engagement, while Kalcsits will oversee scientific endeavors and support outreach to the industry and government agencies, according to the release.

Together, they will replace interim director Leslie Edgar, associate dean for research in the College of Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences.

Prior director Chad Kruger stepped down in June after a four-year tenure. He is now the university’s director of the Center for Sustainable Agriculture and Natural Resources and part of WSU’s Institute for Northwest Energy Futures.

Earlier this year, Kalcsits — an expert on how environmental factors affect tree fruit — received a $6.75 million U.S. Department of Agriculture grant to lead a nationwide team of scientists studying climate mitigation in apples and pears.

—by Ross Courtney