DES MOINES, Iowa – The National Pork Board named two additions to its executive team.

Bryan Humphreys will start as vice president of producer, state and industry relations and Jacque Matsen has been named the vice president of strategic communications.

Humphreys grew up on a family farm in Iowa which raised hogs and attended Iowa State Univ. where he received his bachelor’s degree. After some time working on political campaigns, he began working at the National Pork Producers Council as director of grassroots in 2009. During 2014, Humphreys became the executive vice president of the Ohio Pork Council.

“Bryan is highly respected by pork producers in Ohio and his colleagues around the country,” said Bill Even, CEO of the National Pork Board. “Ohio Pork has led from the front in terms of innovation and consumer engagement under his leadership, and we’re excited to have him bring a new approach to the national organization’s producer and state outreach efforts.”

Matsen is also an Iowa native and attended Iowa State Univ. where she earned degrees in journalism and political science.

Before taking the job at NPB, Matsen worked for the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) as administrator of the marketing & communications division, which also includes the Iowa Tourism Office. Before IEDA, she worked in the Kansas City office of public relations and marketing agency FleishmanHillard. Matsen also worked at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and DuPont Pioneer.

“Jacque’s experience as a leader in ag communication will be invaluable to us as we launch ‘Checkoff 4.0,’” Even said. “Her experience in association, business, and government communication, as well as shaping consumer perception about products and practices will be vital to the pork industry as we face a dynamic, rapidly changing marketplace and increasing threats to production from foreign animal disease.”