The Washington Association of Wheat Growers (WAWG) is happy to welcome Keri Gingrich as the association’s new administrative assistant.
Gingrich grew up in Ritzville, Wash., on a wheat and cattle farm. She joined the U.S. Air Force where she trained as a Morse code operator. She was stationed at Wheeler Air Force Base in Honolulu, where she “enjoyed the fun and sun of a tropical island, even though my work area was located three stories underground.”
Gingrich returned to Ritzville in 1993. She has two sons, Tanner and Jarod, who both live in Ritzville.
“You just can’t beat living in a small town near family,” Gingrich said. “I spent 18 years trying to leave Ritzville and then six years doing everything I could to get back.” While Gingrich’s family no longer farms, the extended family of her partner, Scott Steinmetz, still does.
Before joining the WAWG team, Gingrich worked in accounting for Northern Quest Casino and as an administrative assistant for Connell Oil. In her spare time, Gingrich enjoys cooking, gardening, and reading.
“I’m looking forward to working with WAWG members and getting to know growers,” she said.
Gingrich can be reached at keri@wawg.org or at the WAWG office at (509) 659-0610.
Along with a new staff member, WAWG is changing its office hours. The Ritzville office will be open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The office will be closed on Fridays.