Dr. Peter VanderZaag is the New President and CEO of WPC

After 16 years of committed voluntary service to the World Potato Congress Inc., John Griffin will stand down as President of WPC.

Since 2007, he has participated in the WPC Board of Directors, working in a variety of roles. Over his many years of work, he has significantly contributed to the expansion and development of the nonprofit organization.

Following his decision, Griffin is happy to inform that Dr. Peter VanderZaag will take over as President and CEO of WPC in his place.

Dr. VanderZaag has been a Director and International Advisor for the World Potato Congress since 2013, respectively. In creating the programming for the last three congresses in China, Peru, and Ireland, Peter was a crucial supporter.

Together with his daughter Ruth and son-in-law Nick, VanderZaag owns and runs Sunrise Potato, one of Canada's largest potato-growing operations (www.sunrisepotato.com). Peter has held several positions in the International Potato Center's research and development efforts as well as as a visiting professor at Kunming, China's Yunnan Normal University.

“Peter has positively impacted national potato programs in Asia and Africa with a focus on developing new improved varieties, novel seed potato production, and crop management. His knowledge of the potato crop is recognized worldwide,” Griffin mentioned.

Dr. Nora Olsen will take over as the new Vice-President of the World Potato Congress, according to a recent announcement from WPC. At the University of Idaho in the United States, Dr. Olsen teaches and specializes in potatoes in the Department of Plant Sciences.

Nora has co-authored and presented hundreds of extension and scientific presentations and publications. She was the first female President of the Potato Association of America. She has been with the WPC as a Director since 2014 and during these years has been instrumental in launching the WPC webinar series.

Brian Douglas' acceptance of the nomination to the Board of Directors as a Director has been welcomed by the World Potato Congress. As we move forward, Brian's knowledge and experience gained from his many years of devotion to WPC as General Manager will be a great benefit.

The Board of Directors is eager to collaborate with Drs. Olsen, VanderZaag, and Douglas are in their new leadership roles.