Mike Carter to Lead Potatoes USA as Chairman

Potatoes USA, the marketing and promotion Board for the potato industry, elected new leadership during its Annual Meeting on March 15, 2023. Mike Carter of Rosholt, Wisconsin, was named Chairman of the Board, leading the organization and the Executive Committee through 2023-2024.

Carter, a 25-year veteran in the potato industry and CEO and Co-Owner of Bushmans’ Inc., has contributed his expertise to the Board for a decade. Throughout his tenure, Carter has been a member of the Executive Committee for six years, taking on Co-Chair responsibilities for the International Marketing, Domestic Marketing, and Industry Outreach Committees.

Apart from his contributions to Potatoes USA, Mike Carter serves on the Board of Directors for the Wisconsin State Potato Growers Association and actively participates in his church community. Outside of his 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.

In addition to Carter, Potatoes USA’s 2023-2024 Executive Committee members include:

• Les Alderete of Monte Vista, Colorado, 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, North Dakota, Co-Chair of the Domestic Marketing Committee
• Jeff Jennings of Camden, North Carolina, Chair of the Finance & Policy Committee
• Mike Larsen of Declo, Idaho, Co-Chair of the International Marketing Committee
• Shelley Olsen of Othello, Washington, Co-Chair of the International Marketing Committee
• Ed Staunton of Tulelake, California, Co-Chair of the Industry Outreach Committee
• Dennis Wright of Kennewick, Washington, Co-Chair of the Industry Outreach Committee
• Jason Davenport of Bakersfield, California, Past Chair