Six State Pork Associations Unite to Launch Southeast Pork Alliance
Six state pork organizations have joined forces to launch the Southeast Pork Alliance, a producer-led regional partnership focused on collaboration, education, advocacy and innovation throughout the pork industry.
The formation of the new alliance was officially announced during the Southeast Summer Conference in Franklin, Tennessee, on July 31, 2026.
The founding members of the Southeast Pork Alliance include:
- Kentucky Pork Producers Association
- Tennessee Pork Producers Association
- Mississippi Pork Producers Association
- Alabama Pork Producers
- Georgia Pork Producers Association
- Florida Pork Improvement Group
State Pork Associations Maintain Independence
Although the six organizations are united through the Southeast Pork Alliance, each will remain an independent state association with its own board of directors, governance, membership and identity.
Each state’s board of directors voted to adopt the partnership and become a founding member of the Alliance.
The Southeast Pork Alliance will be governed by a Joint Council consisting of two representatives from each participating state. Representatives are elected by their respective state boards.
Southeast Pork Alliance Mission
The mission of the Southeast Pork Alliance is:
“The Southeast Pork Alliance brings together leaders, producers, and partners to strengthen the pork industry through collaboration, education, advocacy, and innovation. We exist to create meaningful impact today while building a stronger future for generations to come.”
Southeast Pork Alliance Leadership
Katie Sherman will serve as chairwoman of the Southeast Pork Alliance, while Daniel Tubbs will serve as vice chairman.
Joint Council members include:
- Kentucky: Annie Tolle and Michael Williford
- Tennessee: Katie Sherman and Dr. Seth Krantz
- Mississippi: Sean Boe and Terry Emerson
- Alabama: Daniel Tubbs and Sammie Lee Stone
- Georgia: Robert Dove and Matt Anderson
- Florida: Ricky Lyons and Kyle Mendes
“I believe our greatest strength is each other. The Southeast Pork Alliance is about sharing resources, building relationships, and using our collective strengths to bring value back to the producers and state associations we serve while keeping our industry strong for the future,” Sherman said.
Strengthening State Pork Associations Through Regional Collaboration
The Southeast Pork Alliance was created to help participating state pork associations remain strong and sustainable while expanding opportunities for pork producers throughout the region.
Through shared staffing, coordinated programming and collaborative management support, the Alliance will help state organizations increase their efficiency and capacity while continuing to serve their individual members.
The regional partnership is also expected to create new opportunities to attract emerging industry leaders, expand grassroots involvement and invest in the next generation of pork producers.
“The Southeast Pork Alliance isn’t about building a bigger organization—it’s about building a smarter one. By sharing the talent and expertise of our people across state lines, we’re maximizing human capital, eliminating unnecessary duplication, and delivering greater value to producers,” said Niki Ellis, executive director of the Kentucky Pork Producers Association.
The launch of the Southeast Pork Alliance represents a new chapter of regional cooperation among pork producers, state organizations and industry partners across Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia and Florida.