Chris Hodges has been named the new chief executive office for the National Pork Board. Hodges, currently the senior vice president – business development of Smithfield Farmland, will begin his new role on Feb. 16.
“When I first joined what was then Farmland Industries as a grain division manager, I joined a farmer cooperative,” Hodges says. “Over the years, I have grown to understand the needs and challenges facing pork producers. From product marketing to disease management to sustainability, I look forward to working with the National Pork Board staff and Board to develop the tangible tools and grassroots programs on behalf of America’s pig farmers.”
Hodges brings to the Pork Checkoff decades of in-depth knowledge and innovation in marketing pork to key U.S. food retailers and into international markets. Much of his fresh pork marketing experience includes direct producer outreach and involvement related to adopting on-farm practices specifically designed to improve overall meat quality.
“For the past 30 years, Chris has dedicated his career to the pork industry, building and leading teams to meet the emerging demands for protein in both the U.S. and international market place,” says Dale Norton, president of the National Pork Board and a pork producer from Bronson, Michigan. “He knows this industry so well and, over the years, has given back through volunteering his time and expertise in several areas.”
Hodges is also a retiring board member of the National Pork Producers Council. He served as chairman of its Packer Processor Industry Council since 2013.
Prior to his current role, Hodges served as senior vice president, fresh pork and industrial sales at Farmland Foods, and led the sales and marketing teams for its Smithfield® and Farmland® brands. His industry expertise includes business development, sales and marketing, retail and foodservice outreach, new equipment and processing specifications management, risk management, feed and grains oversight and developing integrated information and technology systems.
“As we move forward with the implementation of our new 2020 strategic plan, we feel confident that Chris is the right person to lead the organization,” Norton says. “He brings not only years of professional work experience, but first-hand knowledge and insight into our changing industry. We welcome him on board.”
Hodges’ first week on the job will include meeting with producer leaders at the National Pork Board’s annual unified research committee meeting, Feb. 17-19, followed closely by speaking at the National Pork Industry Forum in San Antonio, March 5-7.
Hodges, raised in Laurens, Iowa, is a graduate of Drake University, Des Moines, Iowa, with a focus in international relations. He also has a masters of arts in international affairs from Columbia University. Upon obtaining his graduate degree, Hodges was a project manager at the U.S Department of Agriculture, assigned to the U.S. Agency for International Development where he managed extension projects in international grain markets. He later earned a doctorate in agricultural and applied economics from the University of Minnesota.
Courtesy of the National Pork Board. Contact Kevin Waetke at 515.223.2600 or kwaetke@pork.org for more information.