Maine Potato Board taps longtime member as executive director

Longtime Maine Potato Board member Jeannie Tapley has been named the organization’s new executive director. She succeeds Don Flannery, who retired in October.

Tapley’s decade-long service to the board began as an administrative assistant. She advanced to director of operations, overseeing the board’s financial management, human resources and grant administration while providing support to staff and growers.

Tapley played a pivotal role in the transition and management of the Maine Seed Potato Board, ensuring a reliable source of seed potatoes for Maine’s growers, according to a statement from Maine Potatoes. The statement praised her leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, when “she implemented innovative solutions to maintain key operations and manage financial losses.”

“Jeannie’s ability to anticipate needs, provide immediate and effective solutions, and build collaborative relationships has earned her widespread respect within the industry,” the statement read in part.

Tapley is active in state and national organizations including the National Potato Council and the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry. She regularly provides testimony on legislative issues that impact the industry and promotes agricultural education through programs such as Maine Agriculture in the Classroom.