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The Kentucky Pork Producers Association (KPPA) is searching for its next Executive Director, who will also serve as Chief Executive Officer of the Southeast Pork Alliance, providing strategic, operational, financial and policy leadership on behalf of Kentucky’s pork producers.
Working in partnership with a farmer-led Board of Directors, the Executive Director will advance KPPA’s mission through effective advocacy, sound fiscal management, stakeholder engagement and the delivery of programs designed to create measurable value for producers. As the leading voice of Kentucky’s pork industry, the individual will serve as a trusted representative to producers, policymakers, agricultural organizations, industry partners and national pork leadership. In the concurrent role as CEO of the Southeast Pork Alliance, the Executive Director will help coordinate regional initiatives, shared resources and collaborative efforts that strengthen the pork industry across the Southeast.
A Broad Leadership Role
The position carries wide-ranging responsibilities spanning strategic planning, board governance, financial oversight, team leadership and producer engagement. The Executive Director will partner with the Board to set strategic priorities and long-term goals, oversee budgeting and financial reporting, and ensure compliance with contractual, grant, checkoff and regulatory requirements. The role also includes building and leading a high-performing staff team and fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
Producer relations remain central to the job, with the Executive Director expected to cultivate strong relationships with pork producers across Kentucky and identify opportunities to grow membership value and participation.
Advocacy and Industry Representation
On the policy front, the Executive Director will work with producer leaders to shape state and federal policy priorities, represent Kentucky and Southeast pork producers before legislative bodies and regulatory agencies, and maintain productive relationships with elected officials. The role also serves as chief spokesperson for the Kentucky and Southeastern pork industry, representing the organization at state, regional and national meetings, conferences and coalitions, while strengthening ties with industry partners, universities, agribusinesses and commodity organizations.
The position additionally calls for maintaining strong working relationships with state and federal animal health officials and coordinating with industry partners on animal health and business continuity efforts, alongside overseeing the Association’s communications, media relations and outreach.
Qualifications
Candidates should hold a bachelor’s degree in agriculture, agribusiness, business administration, public policy, communications, nonprofit management or a related field, though equivalent experience may be considered. KPPA is seeking candidates with five or more years of progressive leadership experience in agriculture, association management, nonprofit leadership, government affairs, agribusiness or a related field, along with a track record of managing budgets, personnel and strategic initiatives, and demonstrated success working with boards or volunteer leadership structures.
Preferred qualifications include knowledge of the pork industry, livestock production or agricultural policy; experience in advocacy or government relations; a background in fundraising, sponsorship, grant or membership development; and prior experience serving as the top executive of an organization or business unit.
The Association is looking for a strategic thinker with strong financial and business acumen, political awareness, relationship-building skills, and a demonstrated ability to lead and develop teams with integrity and sound judgment.
The Executive Director/CEO will report directly to the Board of Directors and will be accountable for advancing KPPA’s mission, protecting and promoting the interests of both Kentucky and Southeastern pork producers, and ensuring effective stewardship of the Association’s financial, human and organizational resources.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume and two to three references to jobs@kypork.org. The job listing closes at midnight on Oct. 6.
