Melanie LaPerriere Announces Retirement After 7 Years of Dedicated Service at Cherry Central Cooperative, LLC
Traverse City, MI – September 29, 2025– Melanie LaPerriere, President and CEO at Cherry Central, has announced her intention to retire after a career spanning 43 years. She has made significant contributions to Cherry Central, helping shape the company’s path and strong reputation in the tart cherry industry.
During her time at Cherry Central, Melanie played a key role in development of a robust sales team following the dissolution of CherrCo in the ingredient space, the development of sturdy industry relations as the Vice Chair for the Cherry Marketing Institute Board of Directors, the sale of the Oceana Foods plant in Shelby, Michigan, and overall development of the Cherry Central organization as a marketing leader in the cherry and apple minimally processed fruit space. Melanie’s leadership and dedication have been instrumental to the company’s development, particularly in the areas of sales, marketing and operations.
“It has been an incredible journey with Cherry Central, and I am deeply grateful to the owners of Cherry Central for the many opportunities and experiences that have come my way,” said LaPerriere. “I look forward to this next chapter, but I will always cherish the relationships and memories I’ve made with my colleagues, the members of the board and the organization.” LaPerriere joined Cherry Central in 2019 and quickly became known for her servant leadership, focusing on transparency, accountability, relationships, and people development. Her commitment to leaving Cherry Central and the industry better than she found it has had a lasting impact on both the company and the people she’s worked with.
The company has expressed deep appreciation for LaPerriere’s contributions over the last 6+ years. “Melanie has been an invaluable member of our team, and her impact will be felt into the future,” said Chad Rowley, Board Chairman for Cherry Central. “We are grateful for her leadership, hard work, and dedication, and we wish her all the best in a well-deserved retirement.”
In the coming weeks, Cherry Central will launch a search for Melanie’s replacement with the goal of having a new President/CEO on board in the first quarter of 2026. Melanie’s official retirement date is April 30, 2026, to support a leadership transition at Cherry Central. She will share in the selection of her replacement with a committee formed by the Cherry Central Board of Directors.
For further information or inquiries about LaPerriere’s retirement, please contact Jenna Darin, Marketing Manager for Cherry Central. Jenna’s email is jennad@cherrycentral.com.
About Cherry Central
Cherry Central is a farmer-owned cooperative that believes we are stronger when we work together. Today, Cherry Central comprises hundreds of small family farms. Just as our farmers have been innovating for generations, so is Cherry Central. Cherry Central is committed to the power of good. We lead with service, focusing on creating good and nutritious food. If there’s one thing we know, it’s that good and nutritious food has a direct and powerful impact on the health of people and the planet. Founded in 1973, the company has a long history of support for our members and our important customers in the marketplace.
