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USDA swears in 32 members to Potatoes USA’s Board of Directors
April 3, 2023
Alex Caryl from USDA swears in the new Potatoes USA Board members during the Board’s Annual Meeting.
On March 14, 2023, the United States Department of Agriculture conducted a swearing-in ceremony for 30 producer members and two importers to join the Potatoes USA Board of Directors during its Annual Meeting.
In a display of commitment to the potato industry, the USDA appointed 16 new members and reappointed 16 members to the Board to serve three-year terms, expiring February 28, 2026. Alex Caryl, Branch Chief of the Market Development Division of the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service’s Specialty Crops Program, officiated the swearing-in ceremony.
The nomination process for Board Members is conducted annually. Candidates are proposed by the industry and are appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture after a thorough review. The 2023 Board showcases an ensemble of 93 members, with representation from growers, importers, and one public member, reflecting the organization’s commitment to a broad spectrum of knowledge and experience in the industry.
The Potatoes USA Board of Directors is the guiding force behind the organization’s efforts to promote and support the potato industry. Tasked with setting strategic goals and objectives, the Board allocates resources to various initiatives such as marketing, research, and education. Additionally, the Board monitors the performance of these programs, adjusting as necessary to ensure their effectiveness and impact for the potato industry, including growers, processors, and other stakeholders.
New Board Members
Jim Corneillie, Arizona
Trever Belnap, Idaho
Ben Josephson, Idaho
David Mundt, Idaho
Jeff Irving, Maine
Eric Makarewicz, Michigan
Sander Dagen, Minnesota
Tom Nilson, North Dakota
Dave Masser, Pennsylvania
Rhonda Kleyn, Washington
Blake Underwood, Washington
Levi Underwood, Washington
Jake Wardenaar, Washington
Charlie Husnick, Wisconsin
John D. Schroeder, Wisconsin
Aron Derbidge, Importer Member
Reappointed Members
Kamren Koompin, Idaho
Ryan Moss, Idaho
Andrew Porath, Idaho
Justin Searle, Idaho
Jennifer Gogan, Maine
David Fedje, North Dakota
Casey Folson, Minnesota
Jess Blatchford, Oregon
Troy Sorensen, Nebraska
Steve Barrett, Texas
Juan Martinez, Washington
Dennis Wright, Washington
Michael Carter, Wisconsin
Josh Knights, Wisconsin
Kevin Schleicher, Wisconsin
Kathy DeVries-Ruehs, Importer Member
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