Olsen aims to enhance collaboration, integrate AI in health programs, and continue a legacy of leadership in the potato industry.

Shelley Olsen has been elected as the new chair of Potatoes USA’s board of directors during the organization’s annual meeting, where they also announced the executive committee members for the 2024-25 year.

Olsen, based in Othello, Washington, brings years of industry experience to her new role, marking her seventh year serving on the board and her fourth year on the executive committee. Olsen has previously co-chaired the board’s industry outreach and international marketing committees, reflecting her deep involvement and leadership within the potato sector.

In a statement, Olsen expressed her gratitude and pride in being entrusted with the position, emphasizing the importance of continuing the work of those who have shaped the potato industry. “It’s such an honor for my peers to believe in me and to be able to walk in the steps of some of the great people who have led our industry for decades,” she said. Her focus is now on enhancing communication and collaboration within the industry. “I’m looking forward to sharing the message across our industry about the work that Potatoes USA is doing,” she added.

Olsen is particularly keen on optimizing Potatoes USA’s board structure, noting significant improvements over time. She highlighted the evolution toward a more inclusive and dynamic system, where every board member has an active role in committee work. “It’s great to see the Potatoes USA board evolve to become more dynamic,” Olsen stated. “Every board member now has a seat on a committee and an opportunity to be really involved. I’ve loved seeing how much board members are buying into this new approach.”

One of her key goals is to integrate modern technology, including artificial intelligence, into the organization’s initiatives, specifically within the Culinary Medicine Program. This program aims to educate people on incorporating high-quality foods like potatoes into a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.

Olsen’s extensive involvement in the potato industry goes beyond her role at Potatoes USA. She serves on the Washington State Potato Commission’s Marketing and Industry Affairs Committee and has previously chaired the Potato Leadership, Education and Advancement Foundation (Potato LEAF). Additionally, she is a 2015 graduate of the Potato Industry Leadership Institute, reflecting her longstanding dedication to the sector.

Olsen’s leadership is rooted in family values and a multi-generational business approach. Her family-owned company, which focuses on potato production for frozen processing, involves three generations actively working together.

Her husband, Chris, has also served on the Potatoes USA board, while her in-laws, Lynn and Marthann, her sons, Owen and Connor, and Connor’s wife, Kaitlyn, all contribute to the business. Olsen expressed her joy in working alongside her family, noting, “It’s a unique opportunity to work with my family every day, and I love watching my adult children have great new ideas they go out and implement.” She also shared her excitement in welcoming the first fourth-generation member to the family business.

The newly announced executive committee for Potatoes USA features a range of industry leaders. Wendy Dykstra of Friesland, Wisconsin, will serve as chair of the finance and policy committee, while Trever Belnap of Hamer, Idaho, and Dave Masser of Sacramento, Pennsylvania, will co-chair the production research committee. Ed Staunton of Tulelake, California, will take on the role of chair for the culinary committee, and Steve Elfering of Meridian, Idaho, will lead the communications committee. Hunter Gibbs of Swan Quarter, North Carolina, has been appointed chair of the nutrition and health committee, with Les Alderete of Monte Vista, Colorado, heading the market development: consumer committee. Dennis Wright of Kennewick, Washington, and Leah Halverson of Grand Forks, North Dakota, will chair the market development: foodservice and retail committees, respectively. Mike Carter of Rosholt, Wisconsin, the immediate past chair, rounds out the executive team.

Olsen’s appointment as board chair signals a continued emphasis on innovation, collaboration, and the integration of new technologies in the potato industry, alongside a commitment to maintaining the strong family and community-oriented values that have long been central to the sector.