Nicole Atchison leads PURIS’ portfolio of companies, which includes ingredient technologies, processing technologies, seed genetic strategies, product development, go-to-market strategies, insights, and support for plant-based brands. PURIS develops and supports continued innovation in a spectrum of pure, plant-based foods and ingredients from U.S.-based organic and non-GMO soybeans and yellow peas.
Founded in 1985 in Oskaloosa, Iowa, PURIS™ is a family-owned company built with intention over nearly 40 years. PURIS’ plant-based food system benefits every link in the chain of production: providing flavorful and nutritious choices for people, profitable opportunities for growers, flexible ingredients for food makers, and practices that nourish soil, the environment, and life on earth. As an industry leader in specialty food-grade soybeans and pea protein ingredients, PURIS offers a variety of closed-loop specialty soy, including natto, high-protein, organic, and sprouting types. PURIS is the largest pea protein manufacturer in North America, offering clean-tasting, highly functional ingredients used across food and beverage categories.
Nicole holds a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Minnesota and a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Iowa State University. Before joining PURIS, she held roles in the medical device industry, where she was responsible for leading cross-functional teams through FDA approval and U.S. commercialization of medical devices. Nicole is on the Board of Directors for the US Pea and Lentil Trade Association, US Dry Pea and Lentil Council, Non-GMO Project, and PURIS companies.
In her free time, Nicole enjoys spending time with her husband, Jordan, and their two children, Cameron and Avery. They live in Eden Prairie, MN, where they appreciate the changing seasons and enjoy coaching the multitude of youth sports the family participates in.