Gerald Kobes, Vice President Engineering and Technical Support, is 61 years old and has been with Tree Top 28 years. Jerry began his career with Tree Top as Plant Engineer in the Selah Plant. He previously worked with Welch Foods. He graduated from the University of Washington with BS degrees in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering. He is a registered engineer in the State of Washington and served the City of Selah as a council member for 12 years.

Lindsay Buckner, Sr. Vice President Field Services, is 57 years old and has been with Tree Top 19 years. Lindsay previously served as General Manager of Diamond Fruit Growers, a large fruit-packing cooperative. Lindsay holds a BS degree in Agricultural Business Management from California State Polytechnic University and an MBA from Arizona State University.

Dan Hagerty, Sr. Vice President Sales & Marketing CPG, is 47 years old and has been with Tree Top three years. Dan has 25 years experience in Consumer Packaged Goods marketing with Nestlé, Diamond Walnut Growers of California, and A.C. Nielsen, the world’s largest market research company. Dan holds a BA in Business from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles.

Tom Stokes, Chief Executive Officer and President, is 57 years old and has been with Tree Top 32 years. Tom became CEO in April 1999, and served as President of the Consumer Packaged Goods Division prior to that. He previously held various operations positions including Vice President of Operations and Plant Manager of both our Wenatchee and Selah plants. Stokes’ prior employment was with Lamb Weston. Tom graduated from Montana State University with a BS degree in Industrial and Management Engineering.

Tom Hurson, Sr. Vice President Ingredient & Foodservice Sales, is 49 years old and has been with Tree Top 23 years. Tom’s previous positions at Tree Top include Marketing Manager, VP Finance for Consumer Packaged Goods, and VP Concentrate Products. Tom has a BS in Accounting from Central Washington University.

Berry Wright, Vice President Operations, is 60 years old and has been with Tree Top 29 years. Berry previously held various operations positions including Director of Operations. His previous employment includes positions with the State of Washington. Berry attended the University of Washington and holds a BA in Psychology from Central Washington University.

Nancy Buck, Vice President Human Resources, is 58 years old and has been with Tree Top 23 years. Nancy’s previous employment includes positions as Trust Officer and Manager of The Trust Tax Department with the Bank of California, and law clerk in Oregon. She holds a BA in Political Science from Oregon State University and a Doctor of Jurisprudence from the University of Oregon - School of Law.

John Wells, Vice President Finance & Administration and Chief Financial Officer, is 48 years old and has been with Tree Top one year. Prior to joining Tree Top, John’s experience includes 25 years in accounting and finance, beginning with eight years in public accounting with Coopers & Lybrand, then with food processors, Tate & Lyle, Chef America, and the Western Sugar Cooperative. He earned a BA in Accounting and Economics from Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois.