The Northern Plains Potato Growers Association (NPPGA), based in East Grand Forks, Minn., has hired Donavon Johnson to serve as its new president. Johnson started work in his role June 4 and replaces Chuck Gunnerson, who has retired after leading the organization for the past 10 years.
Johnson brings an extensive background in leading successful businesses and nonprofit organizations across the U.S. and internationally, most recently working for the North Dakota Trade Office.
“I believe his collective experience in business, working for the state trade office, and growing up on a potato farm will help him successfully lead the organization,” says grower Eric Halverson, NPPGA chairman of the board. “I know he will work hard to reach out to the industry to understand and then tackle the important issues. No doubt, he will build on all the positive things Chuck is leaving him with.”
The NPPGA, which was founded in 1946, supports over 200 grower members in North Dakota and northwestern Minnesota in the areas of research, promotion, marketing, communication and legislation. The Northern Plains is one of the largest potato-producing regions in the U.S., growing potatoes for four major markets: frozen