Mike Madsen has been elected as the newest commissioner for the Washington State Potato
Commission (WSPC). The election took place during the WSPC’s quarterly meeting on
September 6, 2012. Mike will fill the WSPC’s vacant at-large position and begin serving his term
immediately.
Mike has worked in the potato industry for over 40-years and has spent the last 18-years of his
career with AgriNorthwest. He currently works as a Farm Unit Manager for AgriNorthwest’s
Plymouth Farms where he is responsible for all aspects of production including planting,
harvesting, storage, and monitoring. During his professional career Mike has overseen farm
operations throughout the Northwest and in a few select international regions.
“I have been around potatoes nearly my whole life. I started out as just a young boy changing
water in a Russet Burbank field,” said Madsen. “I look forward to utilizing this lifelong experience
of working with potatoes as I operate alongside the other commissioners and do my part to best
serve the industry.”
Prior to being elected as a commissioner Mike has also served as an industry member of the
WSPC’s Research & Technical Committee. As a member of the Research & Technical
Committee, Mike would participate in helping direct and review the committee’s activities and join
in their quarterly meetings.
A total of three applicants had expressed interest in the position and the Commissioners voted
amongst the three candidates. The term for the at-large position is three years. The commission
is governed by 15-commissioners from the state’s potato industry. Nine are grower-elected
positions and five are appointed positions by the commissioners. In addition, a representative
from the Washington State Department of Agriculture also sits on the board.
Source: Washington State Potato Commission