Our Staff

Rooted in an understanding of food and farming, John Mesko has been advancing agricultural sustainability for more than 30 years, working with farmers, researchers, and supply chain partners to develop practical solutions that strengthen both environmental stewardship and farm profitability. Throughout his career, he has focused on helping producers evaluate and adopt practices that make sense for their operations while building trust and collaboration across the agricultural value chain.

As President and CEO of the Potato Sustainability Alliance, John leads the organization in its efforts to collect, analyze, and share sustainability data that help tell the unique story of potato sustainability. Under his leadership, the Alliance has become a trusted resource for growers and industry partners, providing science-based insights that support continuous improvement and informed decision-making. A frequent speaker on agricultural sustainability, John is passionate about fostering meaningful conversations that connect farmers, industry leaders, and consumers around the future of sustainable agriculture. He can be reached at mesko@potatosustainability.org.

Natalie is the Program Manager at the Potato Sustainability Alliance, collaborating with value chain partners across North America to evaluate production practices and track key performance indicators for sustainability reporting. Building off a bachelor’s degree in environmental science, Natalie’s passion for sustainable agriculture stemmed from an inclusive experience conducting soil analysis, managing crop production, vermicomposting, and beekeeping at a community farm. Ultimately driven by data, Natalie is eager to help measure and communicate the impact of their members’ sustainability efforts.

Courtney joins the team with 15 years of marketing and communications experience. Having previously worked with local and global ag-focused marketing agencies across the country, Courtney has experience with crop and livestock organizations, non-profits, research entities, and member alliances. Focused for most of her professional life on the livestock side – in large part due to an animal science and biology degree from Purdue University – Courtney has dedicated her career to helping connect farmers to one another through communications. When she’s not creating a marketing strategy, she spends her time teaching riding lessons, running with her dog, reading books that are way too long, and following her two children around on their adventures.

Jenna Cargile has over 14 years of experience in the marketing and events industry, driven by her passion for bringing people’s ideas to life for others to enjoy. She was key in organizing the inaugural Potato Sustainability Alliance Summer Symposium, demonstrating her commitment to creating impactful events. When she is not working, Jenna cherishes spending time with her husband and one-year-old son, who brings joy to her life every day.

Laura has provided contract web design and development services to non-profits and small businesses throughout the country for almost 20 years. She is a graduate of the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities with a degree in English, and also pursued continuing education in web design and development. Laura grew up on a dairy farm in western Minnesota, and that background launched her career in the non-profit sector working with sustainable agriculture and beginning farmers. She continues to support sustainable agriculture through her web work.

Liz joins the Potato Sustainability Alliance as the Education Portal Coordinator, bringing extensive experience in agricultural education, program coordination, and strategic communications. Growing up on her family’s farm in Nebraska, she developed a strong appreciation for agriculture and the people who sustain it. Throughout her career, she has focused on helping people access clear, research-based information and strengthening connections across diverse groups. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband, one-year-old daughter, and energetic golden retriever, shopping with friends, and cheering on the Nebraska Cornhuskers.

With more than 16 years of experience across the produce industry, Garland brings expertise in sustainability, innovation, strategic planning, and cross-functional project leadership. She is the Founder and Principal of Fresh Endeavors Consulting, where she helps agricultural organizations advance key initiatives related to strategy, project execution, and sustainability. Garland previously served as Director of Innovation and Sustainability at Oppy (The Oppenheimer Group), a global grower, marketer, and distributor of fresh produce.

Outside of work, Garland enjoys mountain and road biking, spending time with family and friends, traveling, and reading.

Blair is the Potato Sustainability Alliance’s local representative for the Lake Winnipeg Basin Project in Manitoba working with the six cooperating farms and financial partners. For the past 50 years, Blair has had a variety of roles in agriculture including farming, managing an overseas development project, teaching and potato research. Blair is pleased to be working on a project demonstrating the positive outcomes of sustainable farming practices for the farms and surrounding community.