At its annual meeting, Potatoes USA, the national marketing, research, and promotion board for the potato industry, announced the election of Shelley R. Olsen as Chair of the Board for the 2024-2025 term. Olsen, who hails from Othello, Washington, has been a dedicated member of Potatoes USA for seven years, with four years of service on the Executive Committee.
A Legacy of Leadership and Dedication
Olsen’s appointment marks her continued commitment to the potato industry, having previously co-chaired the board’s Industry Outreach and International Marketing Committees. Reflecting on her new role, Olsen expressed her gratitude and enthusiasm: “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. I’m looking forward to sharing the message across our industry about the work that Potatoes USA is doing.”
Innovative Initiatives and a Dynamic Board
Olsen is particularly excited about the ongoing efforts to streamline Potatoes USA’s board. “It’s great to see the Potatoes USA board evolve to become more dynamic,” she noted. “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.”
In addition to board restructuring, Olsen highlighted some of the innovative initiatives Potatoes USA is pursuing, including the use of artificial intelligence to support reputation management and the Culinary Medicine Program. This program is designed to help people understand how high-quality food can contribute to a healthy lifestyle.
A Family Legacy in the Potato Industry
Beyond her role at Potatoes USA, Olsen plays a significant part in her family’s multi-generational potato farming business, which focuses on growing potatoes for frozen processing. The business includes three generations working together, with her husband Chris, who previously served on the Potatoes USA board, her in-laws, and her two sons, Owen and Connor, along with Connor’s wife, Kaitlyn. “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,” Olsen shared. The family is also celebrating the arrival of the first fourth-generation family member.
Introducing the 2024-2025 Executive Committee
In addition to Olsen’s election as Chair, Potatoes USA announced its 2024-2025 Executive Committee members, who will lead the organization through the upcoming year:
- Wendy Dykstra of Friesland, Wisconsin, Chair of the Finance & Policy Committee
- Trever Belnap of Hamer, Idaho, Co-Chair of the Production Research Committee
- Dave Masser of Sacramento, Pennsylvania, Co-Chair of the Production Research Committee
- Ed Staunton of Tulelake, California, Chair of the Culinary Committee
- Steve Elfering of Meridian, Idaho, Chair of the Communications Committee
- Hunter Gibbs of Swan Quarter, North Carolina, Chair of the Nutrition and Health Committee
- Les Alderete of Monte Vista, Colorado, Chair of the Market Development: Consumer Committee
- Dennis Wright of Kennewick, Washington, Chair of the Market Development: Foodservice Committee
- Leah Halverson of Grand Forks, North Dakota, Chair of the Market Development: Retail Committee
- Mike Carter of Rosholt, Wisconsin, Immediate Past Chair
Source: Potatoes USA
Cover image: Back row (left to right) Dave Masser, Wendy Dykstra, Les Alderete, Shelley Olsen, Trever Belnap, Blair Richardson, Dennis Wright, Hunter Gibbs. Seated (left to right) Ed Staunton, Steve Elfering, Mike Carter, Leah Halverson
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