DES MOINES, IOWA — The National Pork Board (NPB), the producer-led and consumer-focused national Pork Checkoff organization, announced today that Bill Even, chief executive officer of NPB, will be stepping down from the role this spring. Even’s last day with the organization will be Thursday, May 1, 2025. He will 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.
The Board has appointed Alex Wibholm, NPB’s senior vice president of operations, to serve as interim effective May 1, 2025, while the Board conducts a national search for the next CEO of the Pork Checkoff. Wibholm joined NPB in April 2018.
“The Board and I deeply appreciate everything Bill has done during his nine years of leadership toward long-term success for the pork industry,” said Al Wulfekuhle, NPB board president and Iowa pig farmer. “I have seen firsthand Bill’s adaptability and steadfastness in uncertain times and his care for the people he serves. Thanks to Bill’s dedication, good governance, principled stewardship and high-integrity strategic leadership, NPB is in an excellent position to transition smoothly to a new executive leader. We wish him and his family all the best as they return to South Dakota.”
Even joined NPB as CEO in June 2016. During his tenure, he led the effort to reinvigorate the organization and ensure its relevance and effectiveness for the nation’s more than 60,000 pork producers. His leadership was critical to the industry’s rapid and coordinated response to the COVID-19 pandemic, from addressing producers’ day-to-day needs and challenges to navigating ongoing supply chain uncertainty. In addition, Even worked with the Board, staff, allied industry and producer leaders to advance the National Pork Board in multiple ways, including building an integrated marketing team and internal business intelligence competency; collaborating across the industry on foreign animal disease priorities; launching the pork traceability platform AgView®; strengthening relationships with the industry’s 42 state pork associations; and establishing measurable goals for the industry’s We Care® Ethical Principles, which provide proof of pork producers’ on-farm stewardship impact.
“I am grateful to the many NPB board members, staff and producer leaders who I’ve had the privilege of serving alongside,” said Even. “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.”
“Bill has surrounded himself with a talented and passionate team,” said Wulfekuhle. “As a board, we have confidence in NPB staff continuing the great work that he started. There is so much to be optimistic about when it comes to the future of the U.S. pork industry – the Pork Checkoff celebrates its 40th anniversary later this year, we are launching a bold new consumer marketing campaign next month, and in March, the Board approved a new three-year strategic plan for NPB. We move forward with confidence and pride in representing pork producers.”
