Lodi, Calif.—Wendy Brannen is the new executive director of the Lodi Winegrape Commission and will assume her new role later this month. Brannen previously was the director of consumer health and public relations for the U.S. Apple Association.

Brannen will oversee marketing, public relations, strategic planning and regional branding efforts, as well as grower relations for the commission, which represents more than 750 winegrape growers and 85 wineries. Brannen will also lead the commission's staff of 15, under the direction of the board of directors, and will be the primary spokesperson for the Lodi wine industry.

In addition to her time with the apple association, Brannen previously served as executive director of the Vidalia Onion Committee for eight years.