USDA Appoints 11 Members to the Board of Directors of Potatoes USA

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced the appointment of 11 members to Potatoes USA’s Board of Directors. The appointees include nine producer members and one public member, who will serve three-year terms that expire Feb. 28, 2028. One producer member will serve a two-year term that expires on February 28, 2027. 

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 Potatoes USA Board of Directors guides the organization’s efforts to promote and support the potato industry. The Board sets strategic goals and objectives for the organization and allocates resources to various marketing, research, and education initiatives. 

The Board also monitors these programs’ performance and adjusts them as necessary to ensure they are effective and impactful for the potato industry, including growers, processors and other stakeholders.

New Board Members

• Thomas Baker, Bakersfield, California Andrew J. Price, Center, Colorado
• Beth Rachut, St. Ansgar, Iowa (two-year term)
• Diane Szawlowski Mullins, Hatfield, Massachusetts
• Ben De Jonge, Manhattan, Montana
• Nathan Bender, Dyer, Nevada

Reappointed Board Members

• Alison Sklarczyk, Johannesburg, Michigan
• Pete Ewing, Big Lake, Minnesota
• Matthew Linehan, Guildhall, Vermont
• Jennifer Bunger, Pasco, Washington
• Norbert Bomm, Chicago, Illinois (Public Member)