Pear Bureau Northwest Hires Marketing Communications Director

PORTLAND, Ore. – Pear Bureau Northwest is pleased to announce Kathy Stephenson has joined the company as Marketing Communications Director.

Stephenson brings over 25 years of food experience in marketing communications and product development to the Pear Bureau Northwest team. Most recently, Kathy provided marketing and advertising management support to her food clients, including Oregon Fruit Products LLC, Brucepac Inc., and others. Her marketing experience stretches across consumer, trade, and foodservice segments of the industry.

“I feel I have found the perfect niche: marrying my passion for marketing communications and fresh produce and agriculture. This is an exciting time to champion a message about healthy eating with the growing awareness that our diet impacts our well being. The Pear Bureau programs are innovative and refreshing, and I feel privileged to join this well organized and hard working team,” said Stephenson.

Kevin Moffitt, Pear Bureau Northwest President and CEO said, “We are very pleased to have Kathy join our team. Her experience will move us forward with our promotions at retail as well as our PR and advertising aimed to increase consumer awareness and consumption of fresh pears.”

Stephenson earned an MBA from UC Berkeley, Berkeley, Calif. and a B.S. in Food Science and Technology from Oregon State University in Corvallis, Ore. Kathy lives in rural Portland, Ore., where her family raises Christmas trees and wanders the U-Pick berry fields. With her family, Tim, Ted (14), and Elle (11), she enjoys outdoor living, sports, and cooking. She has been an active 4-H leader and volunteer leader for the local schools.

About Pear Bureau Northwest

Pear Bureau Northwest is a non-profit marketing organization established in 1931 to promote the fresh USA Pears grown in Washington and Oregon, home to 84% of the US fresh pear crop.  The Bureau represents 1,600 growers and develops national and international markets for Northwest pear distribution.  For more information, visit www.usapears.org.

Source: Pear Bureau Northwest