2025 Impact Awards: Hollee Alexander

HOLLEE ALEXANDER

Vice president, industry relations and events, National Potato Council

Hometown: Arlington, Virginia

Hollee Alexander has long been an enthusiast about two things: potatoes and politics.

Alexander, vice president of industry relations and events for the National Potato Council (NPC), has loved potatoes since she was a child. Her spud affinity, coupled with her degree in political science from Old Dominion University, led her to a career path advocating for potatoes.

“The idea of combining my passion for this versatile crop with my skills in policy and advocacy was incredibly exciting,” Alexander said. “It’s been fulfilling to work in an industry that not only grows an essential food but also works tirelessly to ensure its voice is heard in the policy landscape.”

Alexander celebrated her 20th anniversary with NPC in 2022 — the year she was named Spudman magazine’s Spudwoman of the Year. Industry peers who nominated her and judges who selected her were impressed with her numerous achievements, including her shepherding of NPC’s biggest event, the Potato Expo, through the COVID-19 pandemic. The Expo navigated logistical challenges to return to an in-person event in 2021, with Alexander leading the way.

From its roots attracting 800 attendees in its inaugural year, the Expo has grown into a premier industry event, drawing a record 2,320 attendees to Austin, Texas, in 2024.

“It’s such an energizing experience to bring together people from every corner of the potato industry to share ideas, celebrate successes and collaborate for the future. From developing the program to coordinating all the moving pieces, I love seeing everything come together,” Alexander said. “The Expo is where we showcase industry innovations, build connections and spark new ideas. Watching attendees leave with fresh insights, valuable connections and renewed enthusiasm for the industry is incredibly rewarding, and it reminds me of the impact we can make when we work together.”

Alexander also takes pride in the advocacy work she’s done, inspired by her biggest influence: potato growers.

“Their resilience, dedication and passion for what they do have always inspired me,” she said. “Seeing the hard work and commitment growers put into their crops, often through challenging conditions, motivates me to do my best in supporting them.”

Alexander tries to follow the best advice she’s received — to never be afraid to try something new — as “being open to experimentation is essential to staying relevant and driving the industry forward,” she said.

Her advice for other industry leaders boils down to the power of working together.

“My top industry tip is to invest time in building strong relationships and collaborations — and never underestimate the power of telling your story on Capitol Hill,” she said. “The potato industry is a community, and the connections you make can open doors to new ideas and opportunities for growth.”