DES MOINES, IOWA — The National Pork Board (NPB), which is responsible for the Pork Checkoff-funded research, announced Alex Wibholm will serve as interim chief executive officer, effective May 1. Current CEO Bill Even is stepping down from his role this spring to return to his family’s farm in South Dakota, where he and his wife Janell will be closer to their extended families and five grandchildren.

Joining NPB in 2018, Wibholm currently serves as senior vice president of operations. While NPB conducts a national search for the next CEO of the Pork Checkoff, Wibholm will fulfill the leadership role.

“The board and I deeply appreciate everything Bill has done during his nine years of leadership toward long-term success for the pork industry,” said Al Wulfekuhle, NPB board president and Iowa pig farmer. “I have seen firsthand Bill’s adaptability and steadfastness in uncertain times and his care for the people he serves. Thanks to Bill’s dedication, good governance, principled stewardship and high-integrity strategic leadership, NPB is in an excellent position to transition smoothly to a new executive leader. We wish him and his family all the best as they return to South Dakota.” 

Even began his tenure with NPB as CEO in 2016, during which time he led the effort to reinvigorate the organization and ensure its relevance and effectiveness for the nation’s more than 60,000 pork producers. He guided the industry’s response though critical times like the COVID-19 pandemic. Even helped advance NPB by building an integrated marketing team and internal business intelligence competency, collaborating on foreign animal disease priorities, launching the pork traceability platform AgView, and establishing measurable goals for the industry’s We Care Ethical Principles. Additionally, Even fostered positive relationships with the industry’s 42 state pork associations.

“I am grateful to the many NPB board members, staff and producer leaders who I’ve had the privilege of serving alongside,” Even said. “Every good farm operation plans for the next generation by building a strong team guided by a clear vision and by respecting those whose shoulders we stand on now. Many good stewards of the pork industry paved the way forward for decades before I joined NPB, and many more will come after me.”

Later this year, the Pork Checkoff will be celebrating its 40^th anniversary. NPB announced exciting advancements for the industry to come, including a new consumer marketing campaign and a new three-year strategic plan for the group.

“There is so much to be optimistic about when it comes to the future of the US pork industry,” Wulfekuhle said.