SALT LAKE CITY-United Potato Growers of America announced in December that Jerry Wright will return to lead the grower-based organization as president and chief executive officer of the national federated agricultural cooperative headquartered in Salt Lake City. Wright will assume responsibilities immediately.
Wright was instrumental in founding the national organization while serving as CEO of United Potato Growers of Idaho in 2005. As a Capper-Volstead cooperative, UPGA has successfully focused on assisting potato growers in the largest potato growing regions of the U.S. to manage their production to meet demand.
During Wright's prior tenure as CEO of UPGA, he helped organize member United cooperatives in Washington, Oregon, Colorado, California and Wisconsin, as well as to encourage the organization of United Potato Growers of Canada. Since that time, UPGA has grown to include local cooperatives in other producing regions. Wright focused his full-time efforts as CEO of United Potato Growers of Idaho from 2006 to 2009, helping members achieve four years of stability and profitability.
"We feel fortunate to have Jerry return as CEO of United Potato Growers of America. His vision and energy helped establish this organization and we look forward to his proven leadership," said Dave Warsh, potato grower from Center, Colo., and current Chairman of UPGA.
Wright holds a Bachelor of Science and Master of Business degrees from Brigham Young University. His career spans more than 30 years of extensive branded consumer products marketing at companies including General Mills, H.J. Heinz, and ConAgra Foods.