08/01/2019

Michigan Potato Industry Commission Names New CEO

Kelly Turner previously served as president & CEO of MSAE

The Michigan Potato Industry Commission (MPIC) has named Kelly Turner its new chief executive officer. Her tenure officially began Aug. 1.

Turner brings more than 20 years of experience in agriculture and associate management to the MPIC. Most recently, Turner served as president and CEO of the Michigan Society of Association Executives (MSAE), a nonprofit organization that serves similar entities with managerial and staff specialist roles. While there, she directed data operations for more than 200,000 memberships and implemented leadership development programs at the grass-roots level.

Prior to that, she spent 12 years with the Michigan Farm Bureau in several roles, including as manager of both the Membership Development and Training Department and the Membership and Field Services Department. Turner has a master’s degree from Central Michigan University and a bachelor’s from Michigan State University.

“We are very excited to welcome Kelly Turner to the Michigan Potatoes team,” said Ben Sklarczyk, MPIC chairman. “She brings a well-rounded background working to both strengthen organizations and advance agricultural issues.”

Turner takes over for Mike Wenkel, who recently joined the National Potato Council as chief operating officer. Wenkel had been the MPIC’s CEO since 2012.