KRAIG KNUTZEN ELECTED CHAIR OF WASHINGTON STATE POTATO COMMISSION

On June 10th, 2024, the WSPC elected Kraig Knutzen, Dist. 3 of Burlington as Chair of the Washington State Potato Commission effective July 1, 2024 and continuing through June 30, 2025. Kraig has served in various roles with the Potato Commission including chair of the Government Affairs committee, member of the Marketing & Industry Affairs Committee and the Executive Committee. After the election of the new chair, the Commissioners recognized retiring chairman Grant Morris, thanking him for his service in every aspect of the Potato Industry and being willing to jump on multiple boards and committees whenever needed, including PSA, Research Council and NPC.  Knutzen stated “I look forward to working with you all to help move in a positive direction and continue the momentum that has been created here at the Commission.  I also look forward to Grant’s assistance in helping train all of our new Commissioners that are coming and make sure we get the needed input from them as they learn and they may have a perspective that might be a little different than ours.”  Retiring this year off the Commission were Heath Gimmestad, Dist. 1 Chris Olsen, Dist. 1, Mark Hammer, Dist. 2, Roger Hawley, Dist. 3, and the tragic loss of Mike Madsen.  Coming in for the upcoming fiscal year are new Commissioners, Brandon Schaapman, Dist. 1, Tyler Tschirky, Dist. 2, Blaine Meek, At Large, Damon Christensen, At Large and Greg Ebe, At Large.