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Our People

Seasoned Talent

Our Washington Growers League team has over 30 years of experience in the legal, housing, and safety requirements unique to the agricultural industry. We are the labor specialists in the industry and provide vital human resource services to agricultural employers in Washington state. We are committed to ensuring our members are represented on ag labor and employment issues.

Mike Gempler

Executive Director

Mike Gempler received a bachelor’s degree in agriculture from Ohio State University and a master’s degree in agricultural economics from the University of Wyoming. Mike is also a graduate of the Washington Agriculture and Forestry Leadership Program and served as a past-president of the National Council of Agricultural Employers (NCAE), based in Washington, DC.

Nicole Delp

Office Manager

Nicole joined the Washington Growers League in March 2023 as the Office Manager/Bookkeeper, bringing with her over 20 plus years of office management, accounting, and agricultural experience. She holds an Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree from Yakima Valley Community College. Born and raised in Yakima with family throughout the valley, she is familiar with the ag community and many bounties that they provide our state. During her personal time, Nicole loves to bake, spend time with her family and friends, and traveling to fun and exciting places.

Michelle Brooks

Housing Office Administrator

Michelle joined the Washington Growers League in July 2018 as the Housing Office Administrator, bringing with her over 15 years of office managerial experience and familiarity with the agricultural industry. Prior to joining the League, she worked in a variety of positions ranging from Library Circulation/Media Assistant, Administrative Technician, Office Manager/Billing Clerk, and City Clerk. She holds a Criminal Justice degree and Associate of Arts & Sciences degree. When Michelle is not assisting growers with their reservations, she likes to explore the outdoors with her camera, read books, and spend time with her family and friends.

Wendy Lopez

Mattawa Slope Housing Manager

Wendy Lopez is in her fourth season. Born and raised in Washington, she is very familiar with Mattawa and the greater ag community. She grew up filling out W-4/I-9 forms, picking and quality control for apples and cherries, and drying hops in the Mattawa and Lower Yakima

Ruben Vaca

Brender Creek Housing Manager

Marco Rodriguez

Sage Bluff Housing Manager

Chad Burton

Maintenance & Asset Manager

Board of Directors

The Board of Directors for Washington Growers League includes growers from all areas of Washington state who are committed to Washington Ag. Board members are elected by the voting membership of WGL and serve a three-year term.