Greg Koch Joins WAEF Board to Help Shape the Next Generation

Greg Koch, Chief Executive Officer at Olympic Fruit, joins the Washington Apple Education Foundation Board of Directors with a lifelong connection to Washington agriculture and a deep appreciation for the opportunities education can create.

Raised in the Yakima Valley, Greg grew up surrounded by the tree fruit industry. From working in warehouses as a young teenager to helping lead one of the region’s respected fruit companies, he has seen firsthand how agriculture shapes families, businesses and communities. After earning an accounting degree from Central Washington University, Greg began his career in public accounting before returning to Olympic Fruit, where he now serves as CEO. Before becoming CEO, Greg completed graduate studies in agricultural economics and business, further demonstrating his commitment to lifelong learning.

Greg’s interest in WAEF grew over time through relationships with board members, attendance at scholarship luncheons and seeing the impact scholarships had on families he knew personally. As employees’ children received scholarships, he witnessed how educational support affects not only students, but entire families and communities.

“Education is the backbone of a lot of opportunities and success,” Greg shared. He believes every student should have access to advanced education, regardless of background, because education prepares individuals for careers, strengthens communities and contributes to a thriving economy.

Greg is especially excited about WAEF’s future growth and the opportunity to help more students pursue their educational goals. He looks forward to seeing students benefit from WAEF’s support and eventually give back to their communities and the tree fruit industry.

As a board member, Greg hopes to contribute his experience, learn from fellow volunteers and help ensure that future generations have access to the opportunities that education can provide.