Westmont Magazine Blueberries and a Blue Acura

By Sharon Savely Odegaard ’72

Working to head up two large, nonprofit councils takes lots of energy, and KASEY CRONQUIST ’00 gladly tackles both jobs. He serves as president of the U.S. High-bush Blueberry Council and the North American Blueberry Council.

This year, the National Agri-Marketing Association (NAMA) named Kasey Leader of the Year, one of their three top national awards, for outstanding achievement and excellence in contributions to agriculture. His strengths — bold vision and strategic planning — led to the recognition.

Kasey’s career with nonprofits began at the young age of 26 when he became executive director of the Shelton-Mason County Chamber of Commerce in Washington. He helped businesses accomplish more by applying his knowledge of organizational management. Eventually, he moved into agriculture — specifically to the blueberry industry. He enjoys bringing together people involved with this crop: growers, marketers, harvesters and those working in food safety and sustainability. He looks forward to opportunities for the blueberry industry to gather, as it did recently for its annual fall conference, held this year in Nashville. “We had blueberries, blue jeans and cowboy boots,” he says.

Kasey particularly enjoys promoting the health benefits of blueberries. In his role with the councils, he works with diverse audiences — from consumers, dietitians and food manufacturers to chefs, K-12 schools and colleges and universities — to spread the news about the many nutritional benefits of blueberries.

During his Westmont days, Kasey considered majoring in either communication studies or political science. “Choosing communication studies felt natural and comfortable,” he says. It turned out to be the perfect field for his career.

“Westmont made a major impact on my life and family,” he says. “I think it’s because Westmont is a Christian liberal arts school. The faith aspect of my education helped shaped me. The red thread of my life is my Christian faith — it’s foundational to the success I’ve had in family, career and relationships.”

The greatest blessing at Westmont was meeting his wife, Tarah Goodwin Cronquist ’98, a recruiting manager for Schnitzer Steel. A kinesiology major two years ahead of Kasey, she was able to bring a car to campus. “Tarah owned a blue Acura Integra, so we could go on dates,” Kasey says . “ We went to Hot Spots Espresso to study. And the rest is history.” They’re raising three children.

Kasey made lifelong friends at Westmont. “When I look at my life and career growth today, I’ve been closest to my Westmont friends,” he says. “Even last week, someone I first met in college talked to me about being recruited for a new job. Westmont was a really special place to nurture friendships.”

Kasey cherishes the past and also looks forward to the future. “Some exciting changes lie ahead in the world of blueberries,” he says. “For example, new flavors will be coming in the next five to 10 years. Watch for it!”

Busy in his demanding career and committed to his faith, Kasey appreciates his many opportunities. “I’m glad I’m here,” he says. “It’s an exhilarating place to be.”