National Pork Board (NPB) CEO Chris Novak is heading to the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) as the new CEO beginning October 13, 2014. Novak has been with NPB since 2008.

“We’re thrilled to have Chris join us at NCGA,” said NCGA President Martin Barbre, a corn grower from Illinois. “He has all the right qualifications to take the reins of this growing organization and keep it moving in the right direction, continuing the tradition of success we saw under Rick Tolman.”

In response to the news, Dale Norton, board president and a pork producer from Bronson, Michican, said, “We’re grateful to Chris for his leadership these past several years. With Chris’ guidance, our Pork Checkoff team built stronger relationships with pork producers across the country, with our state pork associations and with our partners in the food chain. Chris brought a spirit of collaboration that served our organization and our industry well.”

During his six-year tenure with the National Pork Board, Novak focused on advancing the strategic goals of the Pork Checkoff. For example, a commitment to refresh the image of pork with consumers led to the creation of the newPork. Be inspired®campaign. Since the campaign launch in 2011, pork has led all proteins in growth within foodservice, and consumer demand for U.S. pork is at an all-time high.

“The pork industry is truly leading the way in responding to consumers with new programs that provide greater assurance of quality, animal welfare and sustainability. I have been honored to be a part of a team that is committed to meeting the needs of our farmers and consumers,” Novak said in looking back over his time at the Checkoff. “I’m grateful to the farmers who invest in the Pork Checkoff, the Pork Checkoff’s board of directors and the Pork Checkoff state and national staff members for the opportunity to serve this great industry. I look forward to continuing to work with the livestock industry from my new position.”