At Cherrystone Aqua-Farms, we love shellfish.

We're proud parents; raising bivalve babies with the utmost care and consideration. We're farmers; taking oyster and clam husbandry seriously. We're environmentalists; using sustainable harvesting practices in put-and-take fisheries that have no impact on wild shellfish populations... and literally help the environment by improving water quality!  

Today the 5th generation of the Ballard family is still producing phenomenal shellfish with a reputation for quality, consistency, and service. Throughout our history we've acquired the finest shellfish growing grounds in the world and paired them with people who are committed to producing exceptional products for the folks who gather around tables across country to enjoy them. 

While our farmers are an integral part of our team, there are some other moderately awesome people who help make this happen:

Chad Ballard, President

Chad represents the 5th generation of the Ballard family to run the Ballard Fish & Oyster Company.  Chad spent much his childhood around the farm and has enjoyed being back with the family business.  Prior to joining the company, Chad worked as an investment banker raising capital for small businesses.  Chad serves on the board of directors of the Virginia Shellfish Growers Assocation, East Coast Shellfish Growers Association, and is an active member of the Young Presidents Organization and the Virginia Seafood Council. When not at the farm, Chad enjoys golf, fishing, and cooking.  He is a passionate Philadelphia Eagles fan and enjoys attending NASCAR races.  Chad is a graduate of Washington and Lee University, where he majored in Business Administration.

Tim Rapine, Chief Operating Officer

Tim is the Managing Director of all operations for the Company.  Tim joined the Company in 2007 as the field operations manager for the Chincoteague location.  Tim has extensive experience breeding and growing shellfish.  He has spent many hours in both research and commercial shellfish hatcheries as well as countless years tending to product on the water.  Tim has a B.S. in Biology and Marine Science from East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania.  When not at the farm, Tim enjoys hunting, fishing and gardening, but he is most passionate about his family. 

Tim Parsons, VP of Sales & Marketing

With over 40 years in the seafood industry, the majority with Cherrystone Aqua-Farms, Tim has worked with three generations of the Ballard family. Traveling frequently, he enjoys all aspects of his job, though time on the Eastern Shore and boat rides out to Pope's Bay with Mike McGee are among his favorites. That's mostly because we limit his time in the office so he doesn't get into too much trouble, but let's not split hairs about that. Tim lives in Windsor, NY, where in his free time he enjoys tending to his raspberry farm and catching up with childhood friends and neighbors.  Prior to joining the company in 1991, his seafood experience also included Wanchese Fish Company. Tim holds a BS in Business Administration from Ithaca College and an MBA from Adelphi University.