about the
industry

understanding how the U.S. tart cherry industry works together.

The U.S. tart cherry industry is supported by organizations with distinct-but-complementary roles, working together to strengthen the category and support long-term success. Understanding how these organizations work together helps create greater clarity around industry structure and leadership.

how the industry works together

The U.S. tart cherry industry is supported by multiple organizations with distinct but complementary responsibilities. Together, these organizations help strengthen and sustain the industry through governance, demand-building, research and grower support.

the structure

CIAB Cherry Industry Administrative Board

  • Operates under the Federal Marketing Order (USDA oversight).
  • Provides industry structure, governance and accountability.
  • Manages supply and inventory framework (OSF).
  • Supports industry-wide coordination and compliance.
  • Develops and activates demand-building programs.

the demand engine

CMI Cherry Marketing Institute

  • Leads marketing strategy and execution.
  • Builds consumer awareness and demand.
  • Conducts health benefits and market research
  • Develops and activates demand-building programs.

Michigan Cherry Committee

The Michigan Cherry Committee is a state-level organization that works with CMI to support Michigan growers in the state’s role as the largest producer of Montmorency tart cherries. It funds and guides research initiatives, responds to Michigan-specific industry priorities and grower needs, and helps strengthen the long-term sustainability and productivity of the state’s cherry industry.

board representation

Industry leadership from across the U.S. tart cherry industry helps ensure broad industry perspective in governance, oversight and strategic direction.

Cherry Industry Administrative Board

Bern Kroupa

Grower Member / District 1

Lee Schrepel

At-Large Member / District 5

Ted Sherman

Grower Member / District 1

Kari Rostad

At-Large Member / District 6

Keith Brian

Handler Member / District 1

Tami Balzly

Grower Member / District 7

Kyle McLachlan

Handler Member / District 1

Sean Rowley

Grower Member / District 7

Michael Hackert

Grower Member / District 2

Chad Don Rowley

Handler Member / District 7

Todd Fox

Grower Member / District 2

David Rowley

Grower Member / District 8

Aaron Peterson

Handler Member / District 2

Bryce Dorsing

Handler Member / District 8

Bruce Veliquette

Grower Member / District 3

Terrance Sorenson

Grower Member / District 9

Steve Packer

Handler Member / District 3

Justin Seaquist

Handler Member / District 9

Zachary DeBadts

At-Large Member / District 4

Benjamin D. Smith

Public Member

full CIAB borad & contact
Cherry Marketing Institue

Emily Miezio

Chairwoman

Greg Shooks

Board Member

Josh Mcmullin

Treasurer

Ben Schilling

Board Member

Daryl Peterson

Board Member

Full CMI Borad & Contacts
Michigan Cherry Committee

Juliette King McAvoy

Chairwoman / District 1 Tart

Brian Wernstrom

Board Member / District 2 Sweet

Mark Schilling

Vice-Chairman / District 3 Tart

Paul Hubbell

Board Member / District 1 Sweet

Caleb Herrygers

Secretary / District 2 Tart

Marc Willmeng

Board Member / District 3 Tart

Noah Fox

Treasurer / District 2 Tart

Jeff Haarer

Ex-Officio Member

Leisa Eckerle

Board Member / District 1 Tart

John Wise

Ex-Officio Member

Emily Miezio

Board Member / District 1 Tart

Full MCC Board & Contacts
Upcoming Meeting Notice
industry leadership

Amy Cohn, President

Cherry Industry Administrative Board (CIAB) and Cherry Marketing Institute (CMI)

USDA

Steven Kauffman

Southeast Region Branch 
Marketing Order and Agreement Division
USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service

1124 1st St S
Winter Haven, Florida 33880
(863) 307-3286
steven.kauffman@usda.gov

Michelle Sharrow, Director

Market Development Division
USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service

1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Room 1575-South, Stop 0235
Washington, D.C. 20250-0235
(202) 720-5697
michelle.sharrow@usda.gov