Northern Plains potato growers hire new president

The Northern Plains Potato Growers Association (NPPGA) based in East Grand Forks, Minnesota has hired Donavon Johnson to be its new president. Johnson started on June 4 and will be replacing Chuck Gunnerson, who is retiring after leading the organization for the past 10 years.

Johnson most recently worked for the North Dakota Trade Office and, the NPPGA said, and brings an extensive background in leading successful businesses and nonprofit organizations across the U.S. and internationally.

“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,” said NPPGA Chairman of the Board Eric Halverson.

NPPGA, which was founded in 1946, supports over 200 grower members in North Dakota and northwest Minnesota in the areas of research, promotion, marketing, communication and legislation.