Potatoes USA elected new leadership during its March 15 annual meeting, with Mike Carter of Rosholt, Wis., named as chairman of the board.
Carter will lead the organization and its executive committee through 2023-24, according to a news release. Potatoes USA is the marketing and promotion board for the potato industry.
In addition to Carter, Potatoes USA’s 2023-2024 executive committee members include:
- Les Alderete of Monte Vista, Colo. — co-chair of the domestic marketing committee.
- Trever Belnap of Hamen, Idaho — co-chair of the research committee.
- Jennifer Gogan of Houlton, Maine — co-chair of the research committee.
- Leah Halverson of Grand Forks, N.D. — co-chair of the domestic marketing committee.
- Jeff Jennings of Camden, N.C. — chair of the finance and policy committee.
- Mike Larsen of Declo, Idaho — co-chair of the international marketing committee.
- Shelley Olsen of Othello, Wash. — co-chair of the international marketing committee.
- Ed Staunton of Tulelake, Calif. — co-chair of the industry outreach committee.
- Dennis Wright of Kennewick, Wash. — co-chair of the industry outreach committee.
- Jason Davenport of Bakersfield, Calif. — past chair.
The Potatoes USA board of directors is the guiding force behind the organization’s efforts to promote and support the potato industry, according to the release. Tasked with setting strategic goals and objectives, the board allocates resources to marketing, research and education. The board also monitors program performance, adjusting as necessary to ensure effectiveness and impact on the potato industry, including growers, processors and other stakeholders, the organization said.
About Potatoes USA’s new chairmain
Carter is a 25-year veteran in the potato industry and CEO and co-owner of Bushmans’ Inc. He has contributed his expertise to the board for a decade, and throughout his tenure has been a member of the executive committee for six years, serving as a co-chair for the international marketing, domestic marketing, and industry outreach Committees, according to the release.
The new chairman considers his election to be a significant honor, the release said, adding that while Carter looks forward to the upcoming year, he is enthusiastic about developing a long-term strategy that will establish the direction and framework for the industry’s future amidst a rapidly changing global landscape.
Carter commended Potatoes USA’s proactive approach to defending potatoes’ reputation and is eager to speak with the international potato community, according to the release. One such opportunity is an upcoming visit to Poland, where he will connect with fellow growers to promote the advantages of potatoes on a global scale.
Potatoes USA said Carter’s unique background, including his past role as a state manager for a potato organization, gives him with a broad perspective and understanding of the industry. As he assumes responsibilities, he aims to continue fostering collaboration and teamwork within the industry, according to the release.
“I don’t think there’s anything that we as an industry can’t accomplish when we work together. It will be critical that we maintain this philosophy,” Carter said in the release, referring to the industry’s strength.
Carter also serves on the Wisconsin State Potato Growers Association board and actively participates in his church community. Outside of work, Carter has a passion for curling and has jokingly earned a reputation as a “potato curling ambassador,” as he often finds himself in conversations spreading awareness about this fascinating activity, according to the release.
