Bonnie Johnson
September 02, 2025
Media ArticleThe National Pork Board (NPB) has announced the appointment of David Newman as its next Chief Executive Officer, effective September 1, 2025. The decision follows a nationwide search and positions Newman to guide the producer-led, consumer-focused organization into a new era of growth.
Newman has deep roots in the pork industry and has served in multiple leadership roles. He joined NPB full-time in 2023 as Senior Vice President of Market Growth. Prior to that, he served as NPB board president for two terms in 2020 and 2021 and was a member of the U.S. Meat Export Federation executive committee.
Newman also has an academic background in meat science, having earned a doctorate in meat and animal science from North Dakota State University. He previously taught and conducted swine research at North Dakota State and Arkansas State University. Alongside his family, he also operates Newman Family Farms in Missouri.
The NPB board expressed full confidence in Newman’s leadership. “After a thorough and thoughtful nationwide executive search process, we have found an exceptional and dedicated leader in agriculture to take the organization representing America’s nearly 60,000 pork producers into the future,” said board president Gordon Spronk. “David is no stranger to the pork industry. He has proven himself to be leadership-oriented, producer-focused and outcomes-driven.”
In response, Newman highlighted his commitment to producers. “It’s a privilege to work for and on behalf of pork producers,” Newman said. “We make a flavorful, 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.”
The selection process was guided by a board-appointed committee and supported by executive search firm Kincannon & Reed. With this appointment, the NPB marks its 40th year with a clear vision for the future, a strong leadership team, and ongoing commitment to pork producers across the nation.
Photo by: porkcheckoff.org
