Feb 4, 2020Olsen elevated to NoKota Packers CEO following Tweten retirement
Fresh Solutions Network announced Feb. 4 that Carissa Olsen was appointed president and CEO of NoKota Packers Inc. following the retirement of Steve Tweten in December.
NoKota Packers is a third-generation packer and shipper of red potatoes in the Red River Valley of North Dakota, and an exclusive supplier of Side Delights potatoes.
Olsen assumed the role of COO in February 2017 following six years as director of operations. She joined the company 15 years ago as an administrative assistant. During her career at NPI, Olsen has been active in the community with leadership roles, including church council trustee, president of daycare board, president of booster clubs, and treasurer of H509 scholarship board. Olsen graduated Summa Cum Laude from Mayville State University with a bachelor’s degree in business education in 2003. She is also a graduate of the Dale Carnegie business immersion course and the Dale Carnegie leadership for managers course.
“Having spent my entire career at this company, I am honored to move into this role of President & CEO. Starting as an administrative assistant and working my way through various parts of the business — food safety, HR, employee safety, grower relations, shipping and billing and accounting — have helped me immensely with the nuts and bolts of the business operations,” Olsen said. “My father, who will retire at the end of this season, was NoKota’s first employee, so I grew up around the business, following him while he worked in the plant and touring potato fields. Pairing my experience in various roles with my knowledge of the history and current operations has prepared me thoroughly for this position.”
Tweten commented on Olsen’s appointment: “I have watched Carissa grow up at NoKota. I am confident she will continue to be innovative with our operation while preserving NoKota’s commitment to our employees, growers, and customers.”
Mike Rerick, VP of sales and marketing and Steve Johnson, sales, will continue in their current roles with NoKota Packers.
