Jim Peterson
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Jim Peterson serves as Executive Director of the North Dakota Wheat Commission, providing leadership for the development and execution of producer-funded programs and priorities approved by the Board. He directs staff and works closely with partner organizations to strengthen markets, advance research, and enhance the global competitiveness of North Dakota-grown wheat. Jim’s primary focus areas include international market development, research, domestic promotion, producer education, transportation, and trade policy. He is actively involved in promoting the premium quality attributes of North Dakota wheat, regularly presenting at customer and producer seminars and contributing to Commission publications. Jim serves on the Wheat Quality Council Board, the Advisory Council for the Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute, the Wheat Transportation Working Group, and the U.S. Wheat Associates Wheat Quality Committee. He joined the Commission in 1991 and has held progressive leadership roles before being appointed Executive Director in 2025. Earlier in his career, Jim worked as a grain merchandiser with Archer Daniels Midland and holds a bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics from North Dakota State University. He grew up on a farm near Makoti, North Dakota, and continues to be involved in his family’s sheep and beef cattle operation. Jim and his wife, Peggy, live in Bismarck.
Erica Olson
DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & RESEARCH
Erica Olson leads market development and research efforts for the North Dakota Wheat Commission, working to expand demand for North Dakota wheat in both domestic and international markets. Her role focuses on export marketing, trade policy, customer service, and research that strengthens the competitiveness of North Dakota wheat and durum. Erica supports the Commission’s market development and sales promotion activities through market analysis, supply and demand research, and customer engagement. She works closely with global buyers and trade partners, helping showcase the quality, performance, and end-use value of North Dakota wheat. Her work includes organizing trade team activities, analyzing market trends, and supporting policy and research initiatives that impact wheat markets. Erica joined the Commission in 2006 after working with the North Dakota Trade Office and the U.S. Commercial Service, where she provided market research and export assistance to North Dakota companies. She holds undergraduate and master’s degrees in agribusiness and applied economics from North Dakota State University. Originally from Mohall, North Dakota, she and her husband, Craig, farm near Colfax with their four children.
Keri Ell
ACCOUNTING SEPCIALIST
Keri Ell serves as the Accounting Specialist for the North Dakota Wheat Commission, managing the financial operations that support producer-funded programs and day-to-day Commission activities. Her responsibilities include collecting checkoff revenue, processing producer refund requests, managing accounts payable, and preparing payroll and monthly financial reports. Keri also assists with annual budget preparation, monitors research and service contracts, and supports general office operations. Keri and her husband, Casey, live in Bismarck and have three daughters.
Jolene Beehler
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Jolene Beehler serves as the Administrative Assistant for the North Dakota Wheat Commission, providing essential clerical and administrative support to the Board of Commissioners and staff to ensure smooth day-to-day operations. Her responsibilities include preparing and recording board meeting minutes, maintaining office records and files, assisting with correspondence, developing and updating presentation materials, coordinating meetings and special events, and supporting publication layout and design. Jolene brings prior experience from the North Dakota Tax Department and the North Dakota Grain Growers Association. Jolene holds an associate’s degree in business administration from Bismarck State College and grew up on a dairy farm near New Salem, North Dakota. She and her husband, Bruce, live in Mandan.
