FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Christina Taylor, phone 703-838-9500, email ctaylor@peanutsusa.com
Alexandria, Va., April 11, 2023 -
The American Peanut Council (APC) today announced it has hired Tracy Grondine as Vice President of Communications. Grondine brings a wealth of experience in developing communications, marketing, media and branding for mission-driven organizations, including top national agriculture associations.
Grondine fills a newly created role at APC to develop and execute a clear, consistent brand across all of APC’s programs and services, both in the U.S. and globally. Grondine will apply her expertise to increase industry awareness of APC and its activities on the industry’s behalf, grow membership and establish APC as an industry trend spotter and thought leader. Grondine will also work closely with The Peanut Research Foundation and the American Peanut Research and Education Society, both of which are under APC’s management.
“I’m pleased that we have brought someone with Tracy’s deep communications and marketing expertise into the peanut family,” said Richard Owen, APC president and CEO. “We have a great story to tell on behalf of the industry, whether it be around exports, sustainability or research. We look forward to seeing the results of this enhanced focus on communications.”
Grondine comes to the APC from the U.S. Apple Association, where she led the apple industry’s communications efforts for the past five years. While there, she refocused USApple’s communications structure to support the organization’s political advocacy efforts, while raising the industry’s profile through proactive media relations programs and integrated social/digital campaigns. In addition, she led an organizational rebrand, created the NextGen Fellowship for emerging apple leaders, oversaw USApple’s crisis management program and administered the Apples4Ed school grant program.
With significant experience as a communications leader in agriculture, including 11 years at the American Farm Bureau Federation and communications roles at the National Corn Growers Association, the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives and the National Grange, Grondine has also led advocacy communications for the Edison Electric Institute and the Retirement Security Initiative. She holds a Master of Science degree in Political Management from the George Washington University and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Charleston, W.V.
Grondine can be reached at tgrondine@peanutsusa.com
Note to editors: Download Grondine's headshot, to accompany your coverage of this news from this folder.
About American Peanut Council
American Peanut Council’s mission is to support the long-term growth of the U.S. peanut industry. The only organization that represents the entire peanut supply chain, APC offers a forum and unified voice for all industry ‘driving sustainability innovation, and directing research to improve peanut safety, quality and production. APC programs do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, or marital/family status. Persons requiring alternative means of communication about APC programs (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact the association for assistance at 703-838-9500. For more information about APC, visit https://www.peanutsusa.com/.
