Since August 17, 2018, Dr. Ines Hanrahan has expertly guided the Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission (WTFRC) as its Executive Director, a role she assumed after serving as the Commission’s project manager since 2005. In her current position, she provides strategic direction, oversees staff operations, and ensures that research investments are meticulously aligned with the industry’s most pressing needs. Her focus is unwavering: to empower growers with the tools and knowledge necessary to achieve increased productivity, enhance product quality, and thrive in a competitive global marketplace.
Dr. Hanrahan is a strong advocate for collaborative innovation, fostering vibrant public-private partnerships with leading tree fruit scientists around the world. She believes that active engagement with a diverse range of industry stakeholders is crucial for driving progress and enabling the industry to proactively shape its future. Furthermore, she is deeply invested in nurturing the next generation of tree fruit professionals, serving as both a mentor and an inspiring role model.
Her dedication to agriculture is rooted in her upbringing in East Germany, where her family’s resilience in the face of food insecurity and her grandmother’s passion for gardening instilled in her a deep appreciation for the land. While working in South Africa, she was captivated by the scope of Washington’s tree fruit industry, a fascination fueled by her reading of The Good Fruit Grower. This initial spark ignited a desire to contribute directly to that industry. Consequently, she pursued an agricultural exchange program that brought her to Washington State, establishing a profound and lasting connection to the region. Today, she lives that commitment, managing a thriving commercial orchard with her husband and son near Yakima, a family legacy that spans generations.
