VIENNA, VA. — James “Jim” Bair, a longtime vice-president of the North American Millers’ Association, has joined the U.S. Apple Association (USApple) as president and chief executive officer.

Mr. Bair spent nearly 25 years with NAMA, first as director of government relations and then later as vice-president. During his tenure, he served as a spokesman for the organization and represented NAMA’s member companies on trade, quality, environmental and biotechnology issues. Before joining NAMA, he was a White House appointee with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Federal Grain Inspection Service and marketing director for the Kansas Wheat Commission.

“Jim has been a dedicated and successful staff member of NAMA for 24 years,” said Jim McCarthy, president and chief executive officer of NAMA. “His knowledge and expertise in grain milling has been a valuable asset to NAMA and the industry.”

USApple has long advocated for American apple growers and their industry partners on national issues in order to promote the profitable production and marketing of apples and apple products.