National Pork Board Hires New CEO

REDFIELD, Iowa (DTN) -- The National Pork Board (NPB) has named David Newman as the organization's new CEO, effective Sept. 1.

Newman has most recently served as the NPB's senior vice president of market growth and joined the producer-led, consumer-focused national Pork Checkoff organization full time in June 2023.

Newman and his family own and operate Newman Family Farms, based in Myrtle, Missouri. "It's a privilege to work for and on behalf of pork producers," Newman said in a news release. "We make a flavorful, nutritious product that is beloved by millions of people across the globe. Producers can be proud of that, and of the work their checkoff is doing to drive demand with new generations of consumers, ensure we have a healthy swine herd and help the industry anticipate and adapt to change.

"I am honored to be named CEO of the National Pork Board and to continue serving pork producers and the industry in an even greater capacity going forward."

Newman served on the NPB board of directors, including two terms as president in 2020 and 2021. He received a doctorate in meat and animal science from North Dakota State University. He served on the faculty there and at Arkansas State University, doing work in the meat science programs and focusing on meat quality in his swine research.

A committee was appointed in April by the NPB board to conduct a CEO search after previous CEO, Bill Even, stepped down from the position. Even now serves as the South Dakota commissioner of the governor's Office of Economic Development.

Gordon Spronk, a Minnesota pig farmer, swine veterinarian and NPB's board president, said, "David is no stranger to the pork industry. He has proven himself to be leadership-oriented, producer-focused and outcomes-driven when it comes to ensuring the pork industry is addressing the challenges and opportunities ahead of us."

Spronk stressed that the board of directors is confident in Newman's leadership abilities and that the staff will continue to do great work to deliver on the goals of the strategic plan.

Newman also served on the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) executive committee.

USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstorm said in a statement, "The National Pork Board has made and outstanding choice, and USMEF congratulates Dr. Newman on his appointment. USMEF has had numerous opportunities to work with Dr. Newman in his many pork industry leadership roles, so we know firsthand the expertise and experience he brings to this role."

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

Follow her on social platform X @JennCattleGal.

(c) Copyright 2025 DTN, LLC. All rights reserved.