Duane Maatz, Executive Director
dmaatz@wisconsinpotatoes.com
Duane Maatz is the Executive Director of the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association. He represents potato growers throughout Wisconsin while working to increase the Association’s political involvement and influence by maintaining positive relationships on state and federal legislation, playing instrumental roles on issues that affect members such as disaster, risk management, international trade regulations, and agricultural policy.
Duane leads a potato and vegetable trade association with over 400 members and an annual budget of approximately $1.2 million. He is responsible for developing and maintaining an aggressive grower relations program and building consensus in the areas of research, marketing, education and governmental relations. He manages an experienced staff of four full-time employees.
A 1982 graduate of North Dakota State University, Duane has a BS degree in Agricultural Education with a minor in Composite Science. He served as a Graduate Research Assistant in the Agricultural Education Department at NDSU from 1982-1983. He worked as an Agricultural Education Instructor in Petersburg, ND from 1983-1986, and in Larimore, ND from 1986-1992. Prior to his position with the WPVGA, Duane served as the President of the Northern Plains Potato Growers Association in East Grand Forks, Minnesota.
Duane has been married to his wife Patty for 23 years and lives in Wausau. They have two sons, Austin and Landon, and a daughter, Tarah.
Tamas Houlihan, Managing Editor & Communications Director
thoulihan@wisconsinpotatoes.com
Tamas’ primary responsibility is producing the WPVGA’s trade publication, The Badger Common’Tater. As the Managing Editor of the monthly publication, he writes articles, edits submitted copy, sells advertising, and takes photos that support stories appearing in the magazine. He received a Bachelor of Science Degree from UW-Stevens Point in 1985 with a double major in Communication and German. He worked as a Sports Editor for a daily newspaper before joining the WPVGA in 1987. Tamas lives in Stevens Point with his wife Paula, and together they have seven children—three still living at home. His hobbies include all sports, reading, and travel.
Dana Rady, Director of Promotions, Communication and Consumer Education
drady@wisconsinpotatoes.com
Dana Rady joined the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association (WPVGA) team as the Director of Promotions, Communication and Consumer Education in September 2012. Dana’s main duties include promotional program and communication activities,
as well as serving as the committee liaison for the Vegetable and Chip Divisions.
Dana has a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, with majors in Radio/TV/Film and Spanish, and minors in Journalism and Political Science. After graduating in May 2007, she ventured to the Lone Star State where she taught English and Spanish classes to adults. Upon moving back to Packer country and the Northwoods, Dana served as an Anchor and General Assignment Reporter at WJFW in Rhinelander for about two years. Then she branched out to forestry as the Sales and Marketing Coordinator for the Great Lakes Timber Professionals Association (GLTPA).
Dana is thrilled to be a part of WPVGA and the agriculture industry. She enjoys hunting and fishing with her husband, running, spending time with family and friends, and enjoying all the benefits Wisconsin has to offer.
Karen Rasmussen, Financial Officer
krasmussen@wisconsinpotatoes.com
Karen’s responsibilities are to perform all accounts payable, payroll, and accounts receivable functions for the WPVGA and related entities. She also manages the assessment and collections for the Wisconsin Potato Industry Board. Karen received an Associate Degree in Accounting from Northcentral Technical College in 2005 and has been employed with the WPVGA since September 1993. Karen lives in Antigo with her husband, Andy, and enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, and going for walks.
Julie Braun, Executive Assistant
jbraun@wisconsinpotatoes.com
As the WPVGA’s Executive Assistant, Julie Braun coordinates Association meetings and conferences with great efficiency and ease. Julie also serves as the staff liaison for all WPVGA Boards and Committees within the organization. She has been employed by WPVGA since February 1998.
Julie is also the Administrator for the Wisconsin Mint and Muck Boards. Julie lives in Polar with her husband Brian, sons Emmett and Ezra, and their dog Sammy. She enjoys spending time with her family, getting together with friends, and walking her dog.
Danielle Wendt, Program Assistant
dwendt@wisconsinpotatoes.com
Danielle serves as the primary receptionist at the WPVGA office and provides support to the rest of the WPVGA staff. Danielle attended Northcentral Technical College in Wausau where she received a Marketing: Business-to-Business Associate Degree in May of 2008. She then attended Lakeland College in Sheboygan where she received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Marketing in May of 2010. Danielle grew up on a potato farm and is therefore very familiar with the potato and vegetable industry. She has been employed by WPVGA since January 2011. She lives in Antigo and enjoys reading, scrapbooking, snowmobiling, baseball, and football.