Vienna, Va. – U.S. Apple Association (USApple) President and CEO Nancy E. Foster today announced the appointment of Patricia Henderson as the association's new director of communications. Henderson will manage USApple's industry media communications, its membership program activities, and its Web site. She will also work to further develop strategic communications plans and policies for USApple.

"We are pleased to welcome Patty to the USApple team in such an important role," said USApple's Foster. "Her communications experience and enthusiasm for our work makes her a strong asset to the association and the industry we serve."

Henderson joins USApple from GSI Commerce Inc., King of Prussia, Pa., which develops and operates e-commerce businesses for client companies. She was responsible for all of GSI's corporate communications, including public, media and investor relations. Her experience includes working with national and trade media, speech writing, development of print and audiovisual materials, and designing and managing the firm's Web site.

Prior to joining GSI Commerce, Henderson was a public relations and communications associate for the Main Line Chamber of Commerce, Wayne, Pa. She was responsible for all chamber public relations activities, including media relations and media event planning, monthly newsletter production and Web site management.

Henderson replaces Harriet (Pimm) Wegmeyer, who departed USApple in September to join the staff of The Fertilizer Institute, Washington, D.C.

Henderson has a bachelor's degree in communications from Villanova University. While in college, she worked as a public relations intern at the Kimmel Center for Performing Arts. A native of Upton, Ma., she now resides in Springfield, Va.

Note: The text of this release can be downloaded from the Industry News Releases section of USApple's Media Web site, at http://www.usapple.org/media/newsreleases/index.cfm.

The U.S. Apple Association (USApple) is the national trade association representing all segments of the apple industry. Members include 40 state and regional apple associations representing the 9,000 apple growers throughout the country, as well as more than 400 individual firms involved in the apple business. The U.S. Apple Association's mission is to provide the means for all segments of the U.S. apple industry to join in appropriate collective efforts to profitably produce and market apples and apple products.