David Newman named new CEO of National Pork Board
Missouri pork producer to take helm of Checkoff Sept. 1
3 September 2025
3 minute read
By: The National Pork Board (NPB), the producer-led and consumer-focused National Pork Checkoff organisation, has named David Newman the organisation’s new CEO effective Sept. 1, 2025, according to a recent press release. Newman most recently served as NPB’s senior vice-president of market growth. He joined the organisation full-time in June 2023.
“After a thorough and thoughtful nationwide executive search process, we have found an exceptional and dedicated leader in agriculture to take the organisation representing America’s nearly 60,000 pork producers into the future,” said Gordon Spronk, a Minnesota pig farmer, swine veterinarian and NPB board president.
“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. On behalf of the board, we have confidence in his character and capability to lead the organisation, staff and industry into a productive and powerful next season for pork.”
Newman was previously a member of the NPB board of directors, serving as president for two terms in 2020 and 2021. He also served on the US Meat Export Federation executive committee.
Before joining NPB staff, Newman earned a doctorate in meat and animal science from North Dakota State University. He was also a faculty member at NDSU and later at Arkansas State University, where he led meat science programs and swine research focused on meat quality.
Along with his family, Newman owns and operates Newman Family Farms in Myrtle, Missouri.
“It’s a privilege to work for and on behalf of pork producers,” said Newman. “We make a flavourful, 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 honoured 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.”
The NPB board appointed a committee in April to conduct the CEO search, representing a cross-section of pork industry expertise and perspectives. The committee was led by past NPB board president Al Wulfekuhle, a pig farmer from Iowa. The national search process was supported by Kincannon & Reed, a global executive search firm focused on the food and agribusiness industry.
“I’m grateful to the selection committee for their time and commitment to serve pig farmers and help us determine the next leader of the National Pork Board,” said Spronk.
“In the fortieth year since the founding of the National Pork Board, the board and its officers, the new CEO and the NPB staff are well positioned to meet the needs of the next generation of our nation’s pork producers.”
