American Sweet Potato Marketing Institute

Johnny Barnes, president of the American Sweet Potato Marketing Institute (ASPMI), Benson, NC, announced Jeff Smutny has joined ASPMI as executive director.

Prior to joining the sweet potato industry, Smutny served as the global director of marketing and regulatory affairs for the 4,000-grower pecan industry. He also served in various roles for the U.S. Department of Agriculture; spent time in political consulting, managing marketing for various political candidates; and he began his career directing a large advertising agency in California’s Central Valley.

Smutny graduated from California State University, Fresno. Jeff and his wife, Debi, split their time between Monterey, CA, and Lake Tahoe.