MOSES LAKE - The Washington State Potato Commission recently elected its new Executive Committee for the year during the group's annual meeting.

The commission is governed by 15 commissioners - nine grower-elected positions and five appointed positions. A representative from the state Department of Agriculture also sits on the board.

Nelson Cox of Warden, who has been a commissioner since 2008, was named chair of the commission. He replaces Jared Balcom of Pasco, who served as chair last year.

Cox officially begins his term July 1.

"I have enjoyed my time serving the industry as a commissioner and look forward to working with the other commissioners during this upcoming year," Cox said in a statement. "The objectives of the commission are the same and there is plenty of work to do to ensure we are all best meeting the needs of growers throughout the state."

Cox operates a family farm near Warden.

Balcom, who has been a commissioner since 2005, will still serve on the board.

"It has been a busy year for the commission and even though my term as chair is complete, I will continue to do my part in helping the industry during this very crucial time," he said. "There are always many activities and issues that we need to continue to address and be a part of."

Other members of the Executive Team include Mike Dodds, Moses Lake, first vice chair; Nick Johnson, Othello, second vice chair; Rex Calloway, Quincy, secretary; Stacy Kniveton, Pasco, treasurer and Balcom, Pasco, past chair.

Members of the Executive Team will serve in their new capacity for one year.