Contact: Cullen Werwie, 608-267-7303
Madison–Gov. Scott Walker today announced four appointees to the Board of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. Pamela Garvey, Mark Schleitwiler, Miranda Leis and Andrew Diercks have all been nominated for the Board, which provides guidance on the actions of the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. The board meets approximately once a month.
“I am confident these appointments to the Board of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection will carry out their duties with the good of the state in mind,” said Governor Walker. “A strong agricultural sector and fair business environment are critical to moving Wisconsin’s economy forward. I look forward to the service these outstanding individuals will provide to help ensure our state has a business climate that allows the private sector to create 250,000 new jobs by 2015.”
Pamela Garvey owns and operates a 750-acre farm with her husband in Centuria. She is a member of the Polk County Farm Bureau and the Wisconsin Farm Bureau. She has held numerous leadership positions within the Bureau, including Young Farmer Chair, Volunteers for Agriculture Chair and Board member. Pamela also served on the Bureau’s State Policy Development Committee from 2006 to 2008. Additionally, she participates in Ag Day at the Capitol, has co-chaired the Youth Agriculture Essay Contest, and is active in 4-H leadership. Pamela received a bachelor’s degree in food science and technology and with a minor in business.
Mark Schleitwiler of Green Bay, is current Vice President of Operations for BelGioioso Cheese, Inc.. He serves on the Board of Directors for both the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association and the American Producers of Italian Type Cheeses. Additionally, Mark is Treasurer for the Fox Valley Unitarian Universalists Fellowship and is affiliated with the Kraft Credit Committee and the Kraft Purchasing Committee. He has professional experience with both accounting and managerial related positions.
Miranda Leis, a project manager for CROPP Cooperative/Organic Valley in LaFarge, is presently Director of the Monroe County Farm Bureau. She has been an active member of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau since 2005, currently serving on the Policy Development Committee. Previously she held the position of Young Farmer and Agriculturalist Chair on both the county and state Farm Bureaus. Miranda is also involved with the La Crosse Chapter of the Project Management Institute and received her degree in animal science with an emphasis in dairy production and nutrition.
Andrew Diercks of Coloma is a fourth generation potato and vegetable grower and current Vice President at Coloma Farms, Inc. Andrew has served as Chairman for the Board of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection since 2009 and has been a member of the Board since 2001. He is also a member and former President of the Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Growers Association in addition to his involvement as a board member for the United States Potato Board, the United Potato Growers of Wisconsin, the Discovery Farm/Pioneer Farm Advisory Committee, and previously, the Wisconsin Agricultural Stewardship Initiative. Andrew received his Bachelor of Science degree for agricultural engineering.
Garvey, Schleitwiler and Leis will replace outgoing Board members Brian Rude of Coon Valley, Mike Krutza of Wausau, whose terms expire on May 1 of this year, and Cynthia Brown of Menomonie who resigned in late April. Andrew Diercks has been reappointed to the Board.
