The Town of Montgomery Board opened its September 26 meeting by honoring Jeffrey Crist, a member of Crist Brothers Orchards and former chairman of Montgomery’s IDA, with September’s Citizen of the Month Award.

A long-time and active community member, Crist has worked extensively in the agricultural industry and strived for economic growth, hunger prevention and produce standards. Some of his local positions include vice chairman of Walden Savings Bank, former chairman of Montgomery’s planning board from 1990 to 2010 and his role in Montgomery’s IDA from 2018 to September 2023.

“He’s also served on a number of other organizations and agencies in leadership capacities, including the New York State Council on Hunger and Food Policy, U.S. Apple Association, USDA Fruit and Vegetable Advisory Committee, and New York State Apple Reform Church of America,” said Town Supervisor Ronald Feller.

Crist also runs Crist Brothers Orchards with his family in Walden, a staple apple orchard that’s operated in Orange County since 1883 and features Hudson Valley’s first apple storage facility.

“The family farm business operates 700 acres of apple orchard as well as specialized fruit, storages and packing facility, and employs 70 year-round people and 140 seasonal workers,” Feller said.

Throughout his career, Crist has accumulated multiple accolades, including the 2022 Quality of Life Award from Orange County Partnership, the 2007 Apple Grower of the Year title from American Fruit Farmer Publication, a 2021 Cornucopia honoree in Sun River Health, and more.

Now working for Orange County’s IDA, Crist retired from Montgomery’s IDA and submitted his resignation letter on September 13.

“In my life, I have learned to expect changes and eventually appreciate this change that is very important and includes an opportunity. I’ve done my best to serve the IDA in a strong position and I see a wonderful and exciting path forward,” Feller read in Crist’s letter.

“I want to sincerely thank our MIDA Executive Director Felicia Kalan and the whole MIDA board for their dedication, hard work and commitment toward the bright future and quality of life for our Town of Montgomery residents,” he continued reading.

“I am really going to miss him…he’s done a tremendous job, and it’s an honor to be able to work with him,” Feller mentioned.