Gary Roth began work May 1 as the Oregon Potato Commission’s new executive director. Roth has an extensive track record of collaboration, legislative advocacy and implementing successful domestic and international marketing strategies, resulting in market access and new jobs for Oregon agricultural and food businesses during his 30-plus years with the Oregon Department of Agriculture and in the private sector.
Roth has served on numerous agricultural and food-centric boards, including for the state of Oregon and governors’ offices. He has experience in international business and trade development for agriculture and food products.
“I have known Gary for many years, having worked with him on several international trade projects,” says the Bill Brewer, the OPC's CEO who is retiring after 14 years with the OPC. “I believe Gary is a very good choice to lead the Oregon Potato Commission and support all Oregon potato growers. He has an effective understanding of Oregon agriculture, international programs, government and marketing. He will bring a lot to the table with the other potato state programs OPC works with and fit in well with all state and national managers.”
“I am looking forward to representing the Oregon potato industry, building on current strengths of the commission’s programs and aggressively addressing areas of opportunity including potatoes as part of a performance diet and international market access,” Roth says. “Bill Brewer leaves big shoes to fill, and a top priority of mine will be to extend and amplify the standards he has set for the Oregon potato industry at the national level.”
“The Oregon Potato Commission is pleased to have Gary Roth on board as our new executive director,” says OPC chairman Mark Ward. “With his past experience and credentials in the agricultural sector, we believe Gary will be a great addition to our organization.”
Roth has spent his entire life in agriculture. He was raised on his family’s 300-acre farm in Oregon and graduated magna cum laude from Oregon State University with a bachelor’s degree in agricultural and resource economics. He also earned his graduate certificate in international agribusiness at the University of Bradford in the United Kingdom. The OPC has a valuable, long-standing relationship with OSU; Roth says he plans to maintain and further enhance that relationship and looks forward to being a liaison between OSU and the potato industry.
“It is a privilege to represent the Oregon potato industry,” Roth says. “The hardworking men and women of the industry deserve and should expect the best from their commission. I look forward to applying my experience from across Oregon agriculture and focusing that experience and drive to achieve a tangible, positive impact for Oregon potatoes. It’s a great time and opportunity for the industry.”
