Association President

President – Midwest Apple Improvement Association

Ag1Source has been retained by the Midwest Apple Improvement Association (MAIA) to secure a visionary and hands-on leader to serve as our next President, as the current President seeks to retire in the next 18+ months. MAIA represents a diverse membership of apple growers, nurseries, marketers, and partners ranging from small roadside orchards to large national grower/shipper/packers. With an expanding breeding program, strong intellectual property portfolio, and a growing presence in global markets, we are poised for an exciting future.

We are searching for a genuine leader who is a good listener, collaborative, and willing to learn – someone who can balance the needs of our grassroots members with the scale of our large partners while continuing to push demand and recognition for MAIA varieties worldwide.

What’s in it for you:

• Lead a respected, established industry association with strong grower and international partnerships.
• Influence the future of apple innovation and market growth by guiding MAIA’s breeding, licensing, and marketing programs.
• Represent MAIA and its varieties on a national and global stage, from trade shows to international partner meetings.
• Work closely with an experienced board and industry consultants while shaping the association’s long-term vision.
• Opportunity to balance strategy and hands-on leadership in a small, agile organization where your impact is visible.

This role will be responsible for:

• Serving as the primary liaison to the MAIA Board of Directors, providing monthly updates, quarterly reports, and annual budgets.
• Overseeing all membership activities, including billing, tree records, licensing, and royalty collection.
• Managing licensing agreements, patents, and trademarks while defending MAIA’s intellectual property.
• Leading relationships with nurseries, packing houses, growers, and retailers to drive demand for MAIA varieties.
• Guiding external marketing partnerships, digital campaigns, and trade advertising strategies.
• Representing MAIA at major industry events in the U.S. and abroad to build visibility and credibility.

Expectations will include:

• Providing strong vision and leadership to balance the needs of small grower-members and large-scale suppliers.
• Supporting international partnerships and identifying opportunities for global market expansion.
• Maintaining transparency with the board through timely financial and operational reporting.
• Coordinating with consultants, marketing firms, and industry partners to execute strategic initiatives.
• Managing seasonal workflows, particularly annual billing cycles, licensing agreements, and trade show representation.
• Building credibility and trust by being approachable, genuine, and committed to the long-term success of the membership.

A qualified candidate will possess the following:

• Background in the apple, fruit, or produce industry with proven success in market growth, licensing, brand recognition or association leadership.
• Experience navigating relationships across growers, packers, retailers, and international partners.
• Business acumen, including budgeting, financial reporting, and working knowledge of tools such as QuickBooks.
• Familiarity with intellectual property management (patents, trademarks, licensing agreements) is highly preferred.
• Strong communication skills—able to listen, learn, and connect with stakeholders at all levels.
• Willingness to travel (approximately 50%) to industry meetings, trade shows, and international partner events.
• A genuine leadership style marked by humility, curiosity, and a commitment to advancing MAIA’s mission.

This is a unique opportunity to lead a trusted industry association while shaping the next chapter of apple innovation in the Midwest and beyond.

Compensation: Will depend on experience, but seeking a range of $130 – $150K base

Desired Location: this is a remote role but would prefer this individual to be based in the primary apple growing regions of the US.

*Candidates must be eligible to work in the US as well as meet the qualifications listed above in order to be considered for the Association President job.

Job Id: 17675