Michael Wenkel has been appointed by the Michigan Potato Industry Commission (MPIC) as its new executive director effective August 31. He succeeds Ben Kudwa, who has held the position since 1986 and is transitioning into retirement.
Wenkel comes to the MPIC from Michigan Farm Bureau in Lansing where he has been employed for 17 years, the last nine as director of its Membership and Field Services Department.
Wenkel has a farm background and participated in FFA activities in high school. His voluntary work with the state and national organizations led to his receiving the Honorary American FFA Degree last year from the National FFA Association. He has earned the Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation from the American Society of Association Executives. Toastmasters International has named him a Competent Communicator. He is a 1990 graduate of Michigan State University.