EAST GRAND FORKS, Minn. - The Northern Plains Potato Growers Association based in East Grand Forks has hired Donavon Johnson to be its new president. Johnson started on June 4 and is replacing Chuck Gunnerson who is retiring after leading the organization for the past 10 years.
Johnson brings an extensive background in leading successful businesses and non-profit organizations across the U.S. and internationally, most recently working for the North Dakota Trade Office.
NPPGA Chairman of the Board Eric Halverson says he is excited to have Johnson on board. “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.
“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 of the positive things Chuck is leaving him with,” Halverson added.
NPPGA was founded in 1946 and supports more than 200 grower members in North Dakota and northwest 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 processing, fresh market, chip and seed.
