United Potato Growers Of America Selects Mark Klompien As New CEO

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – United Potato Growers of America announced today that its executive board has unanimously chosen Mark Klompien as the organization’s next president and chief executive officer, replacing Jerry Wright. “We are excited to have Mark on board to lead UPGA and continue on the solid foundation laid by Jerry Wright,” said Chairman Ellithorpe.

Before joining UPGA, Mark Klompien served for four and half years as president of the Idaho Grower Shippers Association. Prior to his time with the IGSA, he was the vice president of supply chain management at Idahoan Foods, and also spent 18 years at Basic American Foods, and six years at Lamb Weston. During his tenure with BAF, Mr. Klompien held a number of positions in engineering, operations, raw material, supply chain, procurement, and government relations.

Mr. Klompien spent virtually his entire life in potatoes – from growing up and working on his father’s seed potato farm in Montana, to his lengthy career in the potato processing industry. He has worked first-hand with all of the grower shippers in Idaho, as well as most other potatoproducing states, and has built positive and trusting relationships along the way.

Mr. Klompien has served as the chairman of the Potato Executive Committee for the Idaho Association of Commerce and Industry, and also served as a board member and executive  committee vice-chair of IACI. He served on the College of Agriculture advisory board for the University of Idaho, and on the board of the United Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Association. Mr. Klompien holds a Bachelor of Science degree in agriculture engineering from Montana State University, and completed the Stanford Graduate School of Business executive program. He
obtained his professional engineering license in 1995. He and his wife Valerie make their home in Idaho Falls, Idaho.

When announcing his retirement in August, Jerry Wright indicated that he would continue in his  role as CEO until the board of directors found a suitable replacement. “Jerry Wright’s  contribution to the potato industry is immeasurable,” said Jed Ellithorpe. Along with principal United founder, Albert Wada, Mr. Wright was a key organizer and recruiter for potato growers in  Idaho, Colorado, Columbia Basin, Klamath Basin, and Wisconsin. Mr. Wright plans to devote his time as a volunteer for the LDS Church, working on worldwide self-reliance programs.

About United Potato Growers of America

United Potato Growers of America was formed in March 2005 by growers to focus on managing national potato supply so as to positively affect grower profitability. Through UPGA membership, growers are empowered to better understand and act upon demand for their product.

At this time, UPGA members are in Alaska, California, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oregon, Texas, Washington and Wisconsin. United Potato Growers of Canada was formed in February of 2006 and has a data sharing arrangement with UPGA. Additionally, UPGA has an alliance with its sister organization, Potato Marketing Association of North America, a bargaining association that represents process growers. UPGA was created under the provisions of the Capper-Volstead Act that was enacted in 1922 by Congress to allow growers to work collectively to market their products. UPGA’s vision is to provide a consistent supply of high quality potatoes at a reasonable price for everyone including the consumer. Call UPGA’s national office at 801-266-5050 or visit www.unitedpotatousa.com to learn more.

Source: United Potato Growers of America