Bill Even, CEO of the National Pork Board, is stepping down from his role as the leader of the producer-led and consumer-focused national Pork Checkoff organization.
His last day with the organization will be Thursday, May 1. The National Pork Board’s Board of Directors has appointed Alex Wibholm, senior vice president of operations, to serve as interim effective May 1. A national search for the next CEO of the Pork Checkoff is underway.
Even plans to return to his family’s South Dakota farming operation, where he and his wife Janell will be closer to their extended families and five grandchildren and reengage with their family business, he said in a release.
“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.”