Visa and human resources expert brings agriculture knowledge to bolster growing wafla team

Lacey, Wash., August 24, 2022 -- Wafla today announces the hiring of Roxana Macias as the organization’s first-ever chief people and community officer. A former wafla employee, Macias comes back to strengthen labor and employment resources, products, services, and educational outreach for wafla members.

Macias is leaving a Mexico-based role managing visa services to return to wafla, where she previously served as a human resources program manager. She also spent time as an analyst at the Washington State Employment Security Department working specifically on agriculture research. A graduate of the University of Washington, Macias grew up in Prosser, Washington, and has a strong knowledge of agriculture.

“We are thrilled to welcome Roxana back to wafla. She brings a wonderfully rounded skill set working on all aspects of H-2 visas,” said Enrique Gastelum, wafla CEO. “Roxana’s understanding of agriculture, labor, and state and federal employment compliance will serve our members and worker communities well. She is well-suited to be part of wafla’s new and growing leadership team.”

Beyond visa and HR issues, this role will work closely with key stakeholders in the communities our members serve.

“It is an honor to be coming back to wafla and have the opportunity to define the new role of chief people and community officer,” said Macias. “Working with the agricultural community for over a decade, I have learned this industry is about the people and the community we support. I’m excited to get to work and continue serving the industry that feeds the world.”

Wafla is a nonprofit membership organization that serves more than 800 seasonal and agricultural employers in the American West. We deliver a stable, reliable supply of seasonal employees through H-2A, H-2B, and other work visas. We make labor stability a reality for all agricultural employers.

Employers who participate in H-2 programs guarantee high wages, excellent working conditions, housing, and the dignity of legal presence. H-2 member employers treat guest workers with dignity and respect while producing high-quality food and generating other services. These H-2 guest workers support local communities and economies that create more opportunities for the U.S. workforce.

####

Wafla is a non-profit association that serves more than 800 seasonal and agricultural employers in the Pacific Northwest by providing outstanding labor and employment services. We make labor stability a reality for all agricultural employers.

Media Contact

Scott Dilley
Public Affairs Director
975 Carpenter Rd NE, Ste 201, Lacey, WA 98516
Office: 360-455-8064 x116
Cell: 360-581-8153
sdilley@wafla.org
wafla.org