June 1, 2016
The US National Pork Board has chosen a new chief executive officer in the person of Bill Even.
Even, an agriculture-industry leader, will take up his position on Monday, June 6. Based in South Dakota, Even is Global Industry Relations Lead with DuPont Pioneer.
"As a fourth-generation farmer, I have deep, personal knowledge of the challenges facing today's pork producers and I am impressed with and completely support the Pork Checkoff's strategic plan that guides and directs its programs", Even said upon his appointment.
"I look forward to working on behalf of America's more than 60,000 pig farmers to build consumer trust, drive sustainable production and grow consumer demand for pork", he added.
Even grew up in a farm and is the co-owner of a fifth-generation, family-owned diversified crop and livestock operation near Humboldt, South Dakota, which raises corn, soybeans, wheat, alfalfa and cattle.
Even's first week as CEO will include attending the National Pork Board's June board of directors meeting and the World Pork Expo, which will be held in Iowa on June 8-10.
Jon Leafstedt, Jim Gerardot and Ed Yuhas, principals with Kincannon & Reed, a global executive search firm focused on the food and agribusiness industry, assisted the National Pork Board and its search committee in the recruitment of Bill Even as CEO.
National Pork Producers Council CEO Neil Dierks, meanwhile, issued the following statement on Wednesday, June 1:
"On behalf of the National Pork Producers Council, its strategic investment partners and allied industry companies, I congratulate Bill Even on being chosen as CEO of the National Pork Board.
"As a diversified crop and livestock farmer and the former South Dakota secretary of agriculture, Bill brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to this important job. I look forward to working with him on promoting the interests of America's pork producers as they continue to provide the safest, most nutritious pork to the domestic and international markets".
