Ellingson will lead ND Stockmen's Association

Thursday, September 25, 2008 4:01 PM CDT

The North Dakota Stockmen's Association (NDSA) Board of Directors tapped the 13-year NDSA communications director, Julie Schaff Ellingson, to replace Wade Moser as the organization's executive vice president when he retires in December.

Producer leaders made the decision at a special board meeting in Mandan, N.D., earlier this month.

Ellingson, a St. Anthony, N.D., native, joined the NDSA's team as communications director in 1995 after graduating from North Dakota State University and Bismarck State College and working a stint as a general assignment and business reporter for an area newspaper.

As communications director, she has served as an association lobbyist, its public relations officer and the editor and advertising manager of the North Dakota Stockman magazine. Under her leadership, the magazine has won several awards from the National Federation of Press Women and the Livestock Publications Council and set new size records.

Over her tenure, Ellingson has also coordinated many association activities and programs, such as the NDSA Spring Roundups and the Beef Industry Military Appreciation Day.

In addition to her association work, Ellingson and her husband, Chad, own and operate a registered Angus ranch along with their children, Stetson, Jameson, Sierra, Medora and Sheridan.

Ellingson is an active member of several industry organizations, including the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, the American Angus Association and the North Dakota Angus Association.

Moser said the search for a new NDSA communications director will begin this fall. Applicants should have an agricultural background and experience in writing, public relations, graphic design and lobbying.

With 26 years at the helm of the NDSA, Moser is the organization's longest serving executive vice president and the nation's second longest serving state cattlemen's association executive officer.

Maatz resigns NPPGA post as president

EAST GRAND FORKS, Minn. - Duane Maatz, president of the Northern Plains Potato Growers Association since 1998, has resigned his position to become the new executive director of the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association.

Maatz replaces Mike Carter who resigned in June. Maatz will begin his duties in Antigo, Wisconsin Sep. 29, 2008.

The size and scope of the Northern Plains Potato Growers Association has increased under Maatz's leadership. In 2001 the Association dropped “Red River Valley” from its name in favor of “Northern Plains” to better identify their growing territory outside the Red River Valley. In 2002 Maatz oversaw the purchase of the Tappen, N.D., Research Farm which gave the organization an irrigated sight for the breeding and research programs at the USDA, NDSU, and the University of Minnesota.

Maatz was instrumental in the start-up of the Minn-Dak Bargaining Co-op for process growers in 1998, establishment of the Red River Valley Fresh Co-op for fresh growers in 2007, and the creation of the Northern Plains Market Development LLC.

NPPGA Chairman Bob Moe of West Fargo, N.D., said, “Because of Duane's leadership, guidance and foresight, the NPPGA has experienced numerous positive changes and advancements over the past 10 years. Duane has worked very hard and very successfully to position the NPPGA to adequately represent its potato producers in a rapidly changing industry on a local, regional and national level. Duane's guidance and expertise will be greatly missed by everyone that is associated with the NPPGA.”

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