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
Bio coming soon!
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.
Jeff Perrault - President
Perrault Farms, Toppenish
Hops and Blueberries
Tom Waliser - Vice President
Emerald Ag, Walla Walla
Wine Grapes and Tree Fruit
Troy Frostad - Secretary-Treasurer
Underwood Fruit/Mt. Adams Orchards, Bingen
Tree Fruit
Gail Brown - At Large
Strand Apples, Cowiche
Apples
Christine Bolton - At Large
Attorney
Raspberries and Blueberries