DTB to Manage U.S. Sweet Potato Council

U.S. Sweet Potato Council Annual Meeting and New Management Agreement with DTB AgriTrade

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 29, 2026

Fort Worth, TX – The U.S. Sweet Potato Council held their annual meeting in Fort Worth, Texas last week from January 18-20. The highly successful meeting drew 265 industry stakeholders, including farmers, researchers, processors, and shippers from across the U.S. Over three days, attendees engaged in dynamic education sessions, in-depth market and policy discussions, and robust networking focused on strengthening the sweet potato supply chain and positioning the industry for long-term growth.

At the meeting, the Council’s board of directors discussed strategic priorities for 2026, elected new leadership, and announced a new management partnership to strengthen member services and trade advocacy.

The board elected Sarah Alvernaz, General Manager of California Sweet Potato Growers, to serve as President. An especially fitting choice, as 2026 is the Year of the Woman Farmer. Thomas Joyner, President of Nash Produce of North Carolina, was elected to serve as Vice President. Together, Alvernaz and Joyner bring years of leadership and hands-on experience in sweet potato advocacy, grower relations, food safety, and more. They will each serve one-year terms guiding the Council’s work on behalf of growers, and other stakeholders nationwide.

“Our annual meeting is pivotal for connecting our industry and stakeholders.” said Sarah Alvernaz, president of the board. “I’m excited to be leading the U.S. Sweet Potato Council and look forward to advancing grower advocacy, strengthening consumer demand, and expanding opportunities for U.S. sweet potatoes.”

In a major step to enhance the Council’s impact, DTB AgriTrade has been appointed to manage the U.S. Sweet Potato Council operations. Michael Skahill will serve as Executive Director, bringing extensive experience in association management and agriculture policy to the role. Anne Zaczek will serve as Managing Director, leading membership services, marketing programs, and Council operations.

Steve Sothmann and Gina Tumbarello, both partners at DTB AgriTrade, will serve as policy advisors, providing strategic guidance on government affairs, international trade law and policy, regulatory compliance, and related issues to advance the Council’s priorities.

“I am honored to serve this exceptional membership,” said Michael Skahill, the new Executive Director. “DTB AgriTrade is committed to delivering proactive, results-driven management and advocacy that will help the sweet potato industry thrive in an increasingly competitive marketplace.”

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Please contact Anne Zaczek at azaczek@dtb-agritrade.com with questions.

About U.S. Sweet Potato Council

The U.S. Sweet Potato Council is a voluntary, industry-driven organization supported through dues from state sweet potato organizations, associate members, and industry sponsors.

Through its work, the Council delivers direct and indirect benefits to U.S. sweet potato growers and the broader U.S. sweet potato industry. The Council supports the industry by:

Providing a national forum for bringing together growers and stakeholders from diverse regional to address shared priorities and challenges.
Monitoring federal policy and regulatory issues that affect growers’ ability to produce efficiently.
Educating key Members of Congress and Senate offices on federal issues critical to the U.S. sweet potato industry.
Advancing consumer awareness and demand through market research, data-driven insights and strategic promotional tools.

About DTB Agritrade

DTB AgriTrade is a boutique consulting firm headquartered in Washington, DC that offers clients deep expertise in agricultural policy, trade policy, and related issues. For over two decades, DTB AgriTrade has worked with U.S. and foreign companies, agricultural trade associations, USDA Cooperators, and others to successfully pursue their goals through monitoring and analyzing federal and international laws, regulations, policy developments, international trade commitments, and other related impact areas.