Leadership

WUSATA’s leadership team shares a passion and dedication for helping companies understand and explore the growth opportunities available in export markets.

Brooke Markley joined the Western U.S. Agricultural Trade Association (WUSATA) as Executive Director in January of 2022. An accomplished international agricultural trade professional, Brooke has extensive experience in both the public and private sectors.

Brooke started her career with the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) and gained a broad range of skills supporting U.S. agricultural exports. As a capstone to her nearly decade-long tenure with FAS, she served in the diplomatic service as the Agricultural Attaché at the U.S. Embassy in Buenos Aires, Argentina. After her time in the public sector, she spent over seven years with Leprino Foods Company, a family-owned, global leader in mozzarella cheese and dairy nutrition products. Brooke developed Leprino’s first ever trade compliance department before being promoted to lead the company's strategic trade policy function.

She holds a BS in Agricultural Business with a minor in Spanish from Colorado State University and a MA in Economics from George Mason University. After her undergraduate studies, Brooke volunteered as an Agricultural Marketing Advisor with the U.S. Peace Corps in Guatemala. She is fluent in Spanish.

Melanie Stewart joined the Western U.S Agricultural Trade Association (WUSATA) as the Director of Finance & Administration in June 2023. Melanie has over 30 years of financial management as a Controller in Construction, Production, and Manufacturing industries. Prior to joining WUSATA, she spent 15 years as the Controller for a certified custom stainless-steel metal products manufacturer located in Oregon. Melanie started her Controller career as a Store Controller, in which she was responsible for 83 retail cookie stores throughout the Pacific NW, and Hawaii.

In 2001, she received Honorable Mention in the Vancouver Business Journal Businesswoman of the Year. She has worked on three successful County Commissioner Election committees, serving as Treasurer during the first campaign. She served as Board President for the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce, served as Board member and Treasurer for the NAWIC Portland Chapter 54, and was a Notary Public in both Oregon and Washington.

Melanie enjoys deep-sea fishing, and as the sole female participant, won the SWCA Chinook Salmon derby in Ilwaco, WA in 2000. She has a small farm in Oregon where, along with her husband and family, they grow fresh vegetables and fruits. They sold fresh produce and handmade products in local farmers markets, donating unsold products to local shelters and charities. “Agriculture, farming and Dairy has always been part of my life. I’m truly excited for the opportunity being a part of WUSATA presents. Helping to support US exports for WUSATA participants will be very rewarding.”

Alberto Rodriguez-Baez joined the Western U.S. Agricultural Trade Association (WUSATA) as the Global Connect Program Director in July of 2023. As an expert in international trade, Alberto has the skills, experience, and drive to lead WUSATA's buyer-supplier connection program. 

In his professional and academic careers, Alberto has been dedicated to the field of international business. Alberto earned his MBA from the University of Nebraska. He is a Certified Global Business Professional and earned the TPCC Interagency Trade Officer Certification. Alberto has previously worked for nonprofit and for-profit organizations. His work experience spans from large global corporations to small businesses in both the private and public sectors. 

Alberto is bilingual, being fluent in English and Spanish. He has worked and lived abroad, which has helped him successfully relate and work with people from all over the world. Alberto is passionate about helping American companies become successful exporters and has even launched an export podcast, Export Like a Boss, as a personal project!

Wade Byram brings with him a wealth of experience in private equity backed organizations and Fortune 500 publicly traded companies. He has successfully managed and executed development and engagement strategies and campaigns for various organizations, resulting in significant revenue growth, client retention, satisfaction, and new business development. Prior to WUSATA, his most recent role was Director of Sales overseeing the Pacific Northwest region where he played a pivotal role in developing and implementing strategies that resulted in significant clientele expansion. 

Wade is a dynamic and results-oriented professional with a proven track record of unlocking value for clients and companies. He has a relentless work ethic and a passion for building strong relationships and delivering exceptional experiences for his team, clients, and stakeholders alike. Wade earned a B.S. in Business Management from the University of Phoenix and holds certifications in Content Strategy for Marketers and Marketing Foundations. 

In his free time, Wade is an avid hiker. Accompanied by is golden retriever, Baxter, Wade hikes hundreds of miles each year taking in the beautiful views of the Pacific Northwest. 

Chloé Moesch has been with WUSATA since 2016. Her initial role was Marketing and Outreach Coordinator, then in 2020 she was appointed FundMatch Manager. With her strong program knowledge and understanding she can fulfill her desire to help small agricultural companies succeed in the international marketplace.

In 2015, Chloé graduated with honors with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Sciences focusing on Personnel Psychology and Human Resource Management from Washington State University in Vancouver. She double majored in Psychology and received Certification in Human Services Case Management and Administration. Additionally, she was actively involved in student government for almost 2 years. Shortly after receiving her degree, Chloé was hired for the Marketing and Outreach Coordinator position, this opportunity started her journey at WUSATA.

Chloé resides in Washington State, where she has called home her entire life, and she is proud to be a native Washingtonian. She enjoys hiking in the Pacific Northwest, appreciates the nature side of things, has too many plants in her office, and enjoys tasting new food products companies graciously send to the office.

Above all, Chloé is looking forward to working with the agricultural businesses on the international marketing side, “Seeing companies participate in FundMatch successfully and how it impacts their business/local economy is one of the best feelings in the world because we are doing so much more than providing a reimbursement program...it’s a trickledown effect” and hopes to grow the program to its full potential in years to come.