About
Washington Growers League

Members of the Washington Growers League can rely on assistance from a professional staff with expertise in the legal, housing and safety requirements unique to the agricultural industry.

WGL Staff

Mike Gempler is the Executive Director of the Washington Growers League. He also administers the Northwest Growers Association, providing H-2A and H-2B services for agricultural employers.

Mike is the immediate past-president of the National Council of Agricultural Employers (NCAE), based in Washington, DC. He also serves as Treasurer of the Washington State Farmworker Housing Trust, as a member of the Stewardship Council of the Food Alliance, and as Treasurer of the Mt. Adams Health Foundation. He 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.

Linda Brown is WGL's Office Administrator. She has more than 10 years' experience connecting WGL members with the resources and information they need.

Jesse Lane is the Housing Program Manager for Washington Growers League.

Rosie Banda is our resident manager for Sage Bluff, WGL's seasonal farmworker housing development in Malaga, WA.

Don Merritt handles WGL's Membership Services.

Chris Cheney is WGL's Contract Lobbyist.

WGL Board of Directors

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

Richard Halvorson,Toppenish
WGL Board President

John Senseney, Wenatchee
Vice President

Tom Waliser, Walla Walla
Secretary/Treasurer

Bernard Gamache, Wapato

Larry Knudson, Yakima