Fresh Leadership Takes the Helm to Advance Marketing, Research, and Education Initiatives
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has appointed 11 individuals to join Potatoes USA’s Board of Directors, filling an essential role in guiding the organization’s nationwide efforts to strengthen and support the potato industry.
The newly appointed members will serve varying term lengths that extend into 2027 and 2028, ensuring sustained leadership for marketing, research, and education initiatives.
Nine producer representatives and one public member will hold three-year terms that conclude on February 28, 2028, while one producer has accepted a two-year term ending February 28, 2027.
By selecting a cross-section of growers and other key stakeholders from different regions across the country, USDA aims to facilitate a diverse perspective on industry priorities and strategies for growth.
Potatoes USA’s Board of Directors is responsible for setting strategic goals, allocating resources, and monitoring program outcomes to boost the domestic and global demand for potatoes. These programs encompass research and marketing campaigns that aim to illustrate the many benefits of potatoes to various audiences.
The annual nomination process begins with industry professionals suggesting potential candidates, followed by a thorough review by the Secretary of Agriculture, who makes the final appointments. This structured process helps maintain an inclusive and knowledgeable board that can effectively drive the priorities of growers, processors, importers, and other affiliated partners.
The new board members appointed this cycle include Thomas Baker of Bakersfield, California; Andrew J. Price of Center, Colorado; and Nathan Bender of Dyer, Nevada, who will bring a variety of regional insights and expertise to the table.
Also joining are Diane Szawlowski Mullins of Hatfield, Massachusetts, and Ben De Jonge of Manhattan, Montana, each bringing a background of local and regional production challenges, opportunities, and best practices.
In addition, the USDA designated Beth Rachut of St. Ansgar, Iowa, to serve a two-year term on the board, reflecting the importance of leadership transitions and staggered rotations that ensure knowledge transfer and consistent oversight of Potatoes USA’s initiatives.
Several members have been reappointed to continue the work they began in previous terms.
This group consists of Alison Sklarczyk from Johannesburg, Michigan; Pete Ewing from Big Lake, Minnesota; and Matthew Linehan from Guildhall, Vermont, each of whom previously contributed to strategic planning in areas such as funding allocation, research priorities, and networking efforts among growers.
Their reappointments reaffirm the significance of their ongoing contributions, as continuity is seen as a vital element for building on the successes of past projects.
Also returning is Jennifer Bunger of Pasco, Washington, bringing familiarity with the organization’s objectives, as well as Public Member Norbert Bomm of Chicago, Illinois, whose perspective can help ensure transparency and accountability for wider consumer interests.
Potatoes USA, as the nation’s potato marketing and research organization, relies on these board members to guide its mission of bolstering consumer demand for the crop through education and awareness campaigns.
These new and reappointed members will build upon the past work of Potatoes USA and aim to guide the industry into new areas of growth.
They are expected to assess the performance of existing marketing initiatives, adjusting where necessary to ensure the organization’s goals are met. This involves analyzing consumer feedback, reviewing global market data, and collaborating closely with other industry stakeholders, such as researchers, processors, and distributors.
Drawing on their diverse backgrounds, the board members can anticipate potential challenges and respond with solutions tailored to different regions and market segments.
