MOSES LAKE - The Washington State Potato Commission recently hired Ephrata native Ryan Holterhoff as its new director of marketing and industry affairs. Holterhoff last worked as communications manager for Canfield of Ephrata. He previously worked in other marketing and communications roles.

At the potato commission, his duties include working with state potato organizations, potato growers, agricultural commodity groups, private companies, media contacts and other state agencies. His work centers around developing programs and materials for promotion and educational purposes.

"We're excited to have Ryan on board to help us better communicate the story of agriculture and the potato to the public," stated Chris Voigt, the commission's executive director, on Thursday. "Ryan's skills are a good match for our organization and the potato growers will appreciate his new ideas, his enthusiasm and his professionalism."

Holterhoff said he thinks there is a great opportunity to help communicate the incredible importance the potato and agriculture industries play within our community and state.

"I look at this as a challenge to help people become better informed of the issues and facts relating to our industry," he stated.

He spent a majority of his life in the Columbia Basin and has a great respect for how the agricultural industry impacts each of our lives in so many way, Holterhoff explained.

"This experience has given me a true excitement about this position and the organization that will help me best serve the WSPC," he stated.

Holterhoff is a 1996 Ephrata High School graduate and a graduate of Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. He has three children with his wife, Lisa.