Staff Leadership
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.
Tamas Houlihan, Managing Editor & Communications Director
thoulihan@wisconsinpotatoes.com
Tamas’s 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.
Tim Feit, Director of Promotion & Consumer Education
tfeit@wisconsinpotatoes.com
Tim works closely with the WPVGA’s Promotions Committee to develop programs that help promote Wisconsin potatoes to industry professionals and consumers. He is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (B.S. - Business Administration) and the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh (M.B.A.). His professional background includes over 16 years of sales and marketing experience. Tim lives in Wausau with his wife, Jane, and their Yorkshire Terrier, Dinky. Leisure activities include golf and travel.
Karen Walters, Financial Officer
kwalters@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 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 Board. 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.
Nicole Kubiaczyk, Program Assistant
nkubiaczyk@wisconsinpotatoes.com
Nicole provides support to all WPVGA staff and works with members using the SureHarvest Farm Management program. She received an Administrative Assistant Associate Degree from Northcentral Technical College in Wausau and has been employed by the WPVGA since January 2003. She lives in Antigo and enjoys spending her time camping with friends and family, which includes her husband Terry, daughter Chelsea, and dogs Johnson and Harley.
