DES MOINES, Iowa – The National Pork Board announced Wednesday that it had named Chris Novak, a state commodity association executive, as the organization’s new chief executive officer.

The NPB said that Novak has served as executive director for the Indiana Soybean Alliance and Indiana corn organizations. He led the merger of two soybean organizations and helped build partnerships between Indiana’s soybean, corn and livestock commodity organizations. He also worked to secure passage of a new state corn checkoff.

"This is a challenging time for the U.S. pork industry because of the volatility in the markets, but also a time of great opportunity," said Steve Weaver, president of the NPB. "That is why I and my fellow National Pork Board members are so excited to have someone with Chris Novak’s experience and abilities to work with us in meeting those challenges and identifying those opportunities on behalf of all U.S. pork producers."

Novak has a bachelor’s degree from Iowa State University, a law degree from the University of Iowa and an executive master’s degree in business administration from Purdue University.

He begins his duties on Oct. 1.

Source: The Pork Checkoff