Pork Board Searches for New Leader

REDFIELD, IOWA (DTN) -- The National Pork Board (NPB), has announced its chief executive officer, Bill Even, will step down from the role with his last day being May 1, 2025.

The announcement came in a news release from NPB saying he will return to his family farming operation in South Dakota. The board has appointed Alex Wibholm, senior vice president of operations for NPB, to be the interim CEO while a national search is done to find someone to fill the position.

A native of South Dakota, Even joined NPB in the role of CEO in June 2016. He was at the helm during the COVID-19 pandemic, helping communicate with producers daily to navigate the challenges of the supply chain uncertainty.

During his time, the NPB launched the pork traceability platform AgView and helped collaborate across the industry on foreign animal disease priorities.

"The Board and I deeply appreciate everything Bill has done during his nine years of leadership toward long-term success for the pork industry," NPB board president and Iowa farmer Al Wulfekuhle said in the release.

Even expressed his gratitude toward NPB board members, staff and producer leaders he has worked with while serving as CEO.

Prior to joining the Pork Board, Even worked for DuPont Pioneer as global industry relations lead. He also served as South Dakota secretary of Agriculture from 2007 to 2010.

Wulfekuhle assured the NPB staff will continue to work toward goals and will be launching a new consumer marketing campaign in May. "In March, the board approved a new three-year strategic plan for NPB. We move forward with confidence and pride in representing pork producers," he said.

Jennifer Carrico can be reached at jennifer.carrico@dtn.com

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