Some leaders stand out not because they seek recognition, but because their presence elevates everyone around them. They show up consistently, handle challenges with composure, and lead in ways that are felt long before they are formally acknowledged. This year’s Employee of the Year embodies exactly that kind of leadership.
Throughout the year, this individual demonstrated remarkable growth, professionalism, and reliability, approaching each day with a calm focus and a can-do attitude. Whether managing complex operations, stepping in to support a teammate, or navigating the unexpected, his approach remained steady and solution-oriented. His ability to guide through both success and challenge has made a meaningful difference across our operations.
John Harrington and his wife, Kelly Bobeck, on their wedding day celebrating in White Pass Ski Resort.
John Harrington, Operations Manager at Kershaw Fruit, has a clear commitment to efficiency and accountability. As the cost of growing apples in Washington continues to rise, he has remained focused on improving packing efficiencies to ensure the strongest returns for our partner growers. John’s journey at Superfresh Growers began at a very early age. In 2010, he started working with Rob Conrad at our Supercold facility, where he stacked lime for our receiving and cold storage facilities. He then transitioned to our farms, where he spent a summer helping our farmers with tree training, and the rest was history. “Since I was 14, I knew this industry was where I wanted to be.” John shared. “My father, Dan Harrington, sold fruit for Superfresh since the mid ‘90s, and I thought myself lucky to grow up around Yakima’s agricultural community since then.”
What truly distinguishes this year’s recipient is not only performance, but character. John leads by example, treats everyone with respect, and consistently goes the extra mile. He was noted by many for not seeking recognition, choosing instead to give credit to his team and take responsibility when challenges arise. In an environment filled with moving parts, machinery, and hundreds of employees, John understands that perfection is unrealistic, but clear direction, steady leadership, and accountability are essential.
John Harrington and his dad, Dan Harrington, playing a round of golf.
John’s pride and early connection to agriculture helped him build a career rooted in respect for the work and the people behind it. He is especially encouraged by seeing the next generation develop a passion for agriculture, reinforcing the future of local apple production in the Yakima Valley.
Outside of work, John finds balance in the same places that ground his leadership, time spent with his wife, whom he describes as a constant source of positivity and support, and time in the mountains snowboarding. These moments away provide perspective, clarity, and the steady mindset he brings back with him each day.
