U.S. Wheat Associates names Mike Spier as next president and CEO

USA – U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) has appointed Mike Spier, Vice President of Overseas Operations, as its next President and CEO effective July 1, 2025.

Spier, a veteran of the wheat industry with over 30 years of experience, will officially take over following Vince Peterson’s retirement. Peterson has led the organization since 2017.

Expressing gratitude and optimism about his new role, Spier said he looks forward to working with outstanding colleagues, the National Association of Wheat Growers, state wheat commissions, and other industry partners.

“I am deeply honored and humbled to be elected to this position and grateful to our officers and directors for their trust and confidence. I am also immensely grateful to Vince Peterson, whose vision and dedication have laid a durable foundation for future success,” Spier said.

“Together, we will continue to innovate, create new export opportunities, enhance profitability for U.S. wheat growers, and deliver value to customers overseas.”

As the President and CEO of USW, Spier will oversee the organization’s board-directed policies, staff management, export market development programs, and finances. The position is crucial in driving the strategic direction of the organization that promotes U.S. wheat exports to international markets.

On his part, the outgoing president, Vince Peterson, expressed his confidence in Spier’s appointment.

“Mike is well-known and respected by our overseas wheat buyers and the entire domestic industry. He is highly qualified, and I am very pleased the board selected him to lead the organization,” Peterson said.

“With strong support from our board, we have maintained a solid financial position that will give Mike and our talented, hard-working staff a great foundation to meet the challenges and opportunities ahead in the world wheat market.”

Spier’s career in the wheat industry spans over three decades. Originally from Oregon, he holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Seattle Pacific University.

He began his career in 1992 as an accountant and grain merchandiser at United Grain Corporation in Portland, Oregon. In 1997, he joined USW as Assistant Director of the West Coast Office, and in 1998, he relocated to Cairo, Egypt, as USW’s Assistant Regional Director for the Middle East and East Africa.

In 2015, Spier joined Columbia Grain International Inc. (CGI) as Assistant Vice President of International Marketing, where he established CGI’s Singapore office and later led its international wheat marketing desk from Portland, Oregon. He returned to USW in 2019, taking on his current role as Vice President of Overseas Operations.

Spier’s extensive experience in grain merchandising, international wheat trading, and export market development has taken him to more than 50 countries. Over the years, he has built strong relationships with global wheat buyers, provided market analysis, and supported buyers in navigating contract negotiations to meet price and quality requirements.

As Spier prepares for his new role, he emphasized his commitment to the continued success of U.S. wheat growers.

 “The wheat industry faces both challenges and opportunities, and I’m excited to work alongside the talented team at USW to ensure the continued growth and competitiveness of U.S. wheat in the global marketplace.”

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