American Pistachio Growers expands membership services team

American Pistachio Growers (APG) is strengthening its commitment to pistachio producers by expanding its Membership Services Team, a move aimed at deepening grower relationships and boosting long-term organizational success.

The Fresno-based trade association announced the new initiative Sept. 15, noting that the expanded team will focus on direct outreach, membership growth and enhanced support for growers across the industry.

Leading the effort is Zachary Fraser, APG president and CEO, who has made grower engagement a central priority. He said the organization’s ability to generate more revenue directly fuels its capacity to promote pistachios in global markets.

“We aim to be the premier member services organization in American agriculture,” Fraser said in a release. “Our team is humbled by the growers’ investment in American Pistachio Growers, and we take that trust seriously. By engaging and growing our membership, it will ensure major-league performance in marketing, promoting, and advancing global trade of the world’s most popular nut.”

APG’s expanded Membership Services Team includes both veteran staff and new appointments:

• Joe Coelho, director of sustainability and member outreach, will lead sustainability initiatives while supporting growers directly in the field. His role includes developing education events and advancing operational sustainability.
• Jennifer Jones, director of membership development, was recently promoted from her previous role managing events and member engagement. She will continue overseeing APG events while focusing on growing membership.
• Hannah Doyle, manager of member communications and PR, is responsible for all grower-facing communications and identifying public relations opportunities to increase APG’s visibility.
• Rajina Kahlon, coordinator of membership development, will manage associate memberships and assist with on-the-ground education and outreach.
• Catalina Gonzalez, administrator of membership development, will provide essential administrative support to the team, helping ensure seamless operations across all membership activities.

Fraser said the goal is not only to strengthen current grower ties but also strategically expand APG’s membership base to support future record crops through robust marketing, promotion and trade programs.

With this expansion, APG is positioning itself to deliver stronger services, reinforce member trust and advance pistachios’ role as a leading global crop.