PVMI, the Potato Variety Management Institute is a 501(c)3, a not-for-profit organization, that was founded by the Potato Commissions of Idaho, Oregon and Washington in 2005.
Since 2006, it has been run by Jeanne Debons, the executive director, with guidance from the nine-member PVMI Board. In July this year Jenny Durrin Gentry was appointed to replace Debons as executive director.
PVMI’s main mission is to promote new potato varieties that arise from the Tri-State Potato Research and Breeding Program by providing information regarding variety features and management practices to growers and thereby maximizing the success of the varieties.
Gentry has been the director of the Seed Potato Germplasm Program at the University of Idaho for the last six years. Prior to that she managed a nematode laboratory at the same institution. Gentry is experienced in the industry and practiced in the art of providing services to potato growers. She has worked with the Tri-State Potato Research and Breeding Program and Pacific Northwest Potato Industry to establish and provide disease free potato germplasm.
Gentry started working with PVMI full time in October alongside Debons for the first four months. The handover period ends Jan. 31, 2023, and at that time, Debons will retire after more than 16 years at the job.
“It has been my honor to be of service to the potato industry.” Deobons said. “PVMI filled a gap that no one realized had existed prior and I am certain Jenny will do a great job of continuing that service."