Potato Sustainability Alliance Announces New Board Members and Leadership, Recognizes Retiring Directors

St. Croix Falls, WI — The Potato Sustainability Alliance (PSA) announced updates to its Board of Directors and Executive Committee, including the election of new leadership and the retirement of several long-serving directors.

PSA announced the election of several new, incoming board members to lead heading into 2026.

Jane Canales (Basic American Foods), Kartika Charan (Sysco), JP Claassen (Canadian Grower, Claassen Farms), Tony Macklin (US Grower, Walther Farms), Lincoln Neufeld (Canadian Grower, WJ Siemens Farming Co.), and Ariel Wiegard (Pheasants Forever & Quail Forever) will join the PSA Board of Directors, bringing a diverse range of perspectives and experience from across the potato value chain. Their leadership will support PSA’s continued focus on collaboration, data-driven decision-making, and continuous improvement in sustainable potato production.

The Alliance also announced the election of its 2026 Executive Committee, which will help guide PSA’s strategic direction and governance in the coming year.

The 2026 Executive Committee is:

• Tracy Shinners-Carnelley, PSA Chair (Vice President of Research, Quality and Sustainability, Peak of the Market)
• Erika Wagner, PSA Vice Chair (Agronomy Solutions Manager, Yara North America)
• Ryan Vroegindewey (Senior Manager of Sustainable Agriculture, Campbell Soup Company)
• Mike Wenkel (Chief Operating Officer, National Potato Council)

“These leaders bring a strong, diverse mix of industry experience, commitment to collaboration, and passion for sustainability,” said re-elected PSA Chair Tracy Shinners-Carnelley. “Their guidance will be instrumental as PSA continues to support growers, supply-chain partners, and stakeholders in defining and demonstrating sustainable potato production.”

The PSA board appointed Dan Duguay (Canadian Produce Marketing Association) to serve in an additional at-large board seat. Duguay’s appointment reflects the Alliance’s commitment to maintaining balanced representation and ensuring the board has the expertise needed to guide PSA’s strategic priorities as its programs, partnerships, and impact continue to grow.

PSA also extends its sincere appreciation to retiring board members Chad Berry (Canadian Grower, Under the Hill Farms), Andy Diercks (US Grower, Coloma Farms), Greg Nakamura (Canadian Grower, Nakamura Farms), and Shane Sampels (Sysco) for their dedicated years of service to sustainability. Each has played an important role in strengthening the Alliance, advancing program development, and supporting PSA’s mission during their tenure.

“On behalf of the Alliance, we thank our retiring directors for their leadership, insight, and commitment to the potato industry,” said PSA CEO John Mesko. “PSA’s strength rests on the shoulders of all our member organizations – but our board members, executive committee members, and the companies they represent add special value. We make progress when everyone values what we can accomplish together.”

The Potato Sustainability Alliance is a multi-stakeholder organization that brings together growers, processors, allied partners, researchers, and industry leaders to define, measure, and advance sustainability in potato production across North America.

For board member bios and a complete listing of PSA’s Board of Directors, visit the PSA website: https://potatosustainability.org/about-the-alliance/board-of-directors/

The Potato Sustainability Alliance consists of growers, supply chain partners, non-profit organizations, and advisors working together to improve the economic, environmental and social aspects of potato production in the United States and Canada. In conjunction with our partners, we support the identification and adoption of sustainable production practices and meet consumer and market expectations by benchmarking the farm-level sustainability performance of potato production.