DENVER, CO - The national marketing, research, and promotion board for the potato industry, Potatoes USA, elected Shelley R. Olsen as Chair of the Board. Olson previously co-chaired the board’s Industry Outreach and International Marketing Committees. The company also announced its Executive Committee members that will lead the organization 2024-2025.

“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,” said Olsen. “I’m looking forward to sharing the message across our industry about the work that Potatoes USA is doing.”

Hailing from Othello, Washington, this year marks the seventh year that Olsen has served on Potatoes USA’s board, and it will be her fourth year on the Executive Committee. Shared in a press release, Olson discussed her excitement about one of Potato USA’s efforts.

“I’m also really excited about some of the innovative initiatives at Potatoes USA, like using artificial intelligence to support reputation management and the Culinary Medicine Program, which helps people learn about how high-quality food can be part of a healthy lifestyle,” Olsen added. “It’s great to see the Potatoes USA board evolve to become more dynamic. 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.”

Olsen’s family-owned companies have three generations working together, including her husband, Chris, who previously served on the Potatoes USA board; her in-laws, Lynn and Marthann; her two sons, Owen and Connor; and Connor’s wife, Kaitlyn, a press release explained. The company's focus is on growing potatoes for frozen processing.

“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,” said Olsen. “We’re also overjoyed to welcome our first fourth-generation family member.”

Olson serves on the Washington State Potato Commission’s Marketing and Industry Affairs Committee, in addition to her involvement with Potatoes USA. Additionally, Olson is the former chair of the Potato Leadership, Education and Advancement Foundation (Potato LEAF) board and a 2015 Potato Industry Leadership Institute graduate.

Congratulations from ANUK to the new leader!