After a successful six year career as a CPA with Arthur Andersen in New York City, Ken started working at Knouse Foods Cooperative, today one of the largest fruit processors in the United States, with headquarters in Adams County, Pennsylvania. His career with the company began in 1977 and he progressed to the following positions: Vice-President of Marketing in 1984, General Manager and COO in 1988, CEO in 1996 and Chairman of the Board in 2000.
Throughout his business career he chaired numerous organizations including: U.S. Apple Association, Apple Processors Association, The Pennsylvania Food Processors Association, Precept Ministries, and The Greater Harrisburg Youth for Christ.
Ken served as a Board Member for: Grocery Manufacturers Association, National Food Processors Association, Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry, Farm Credit’s Rural American Leadership Council, Penn State Mont Alto Advisory Board, Furmano Foods, Michigan Food Processors, and Salt’n Light Youth Ministries.
He earned a Bachelor Degree in Accounting and Economics from Pennsylvania State University and a Master in Business Administration Degree in Finance, Sales and Marketing from Columbia University.
Ken has been recognized throughout his industry. In 2009 the State Horticultural Association of Pennsylvania honored him with the “Outstanding Grower Award”. In 2011 he was recognized as an Honorary Master Farmer. In 2012 he was presented with the “2012 Apple Man of the Year in the USA” by The Packer and The Grower magazines. He is the owner of C&G Orchards Ltd., a third generation family business. He currently resides in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania with his wife, Juanita and is a member of Life Center Church. He has two married daughters and three grandchildren.