The Missouri Pork Association Board of Directors has announced Scott Hays is its next executive director. Hays is a fifth-generation pork producer from Monroe City, Missouri, and is currently president of the National Pork Producers Council Board of Directors. He will join the Missouri Pork team on April 1, 2024.

Hays will step into the role following the retirement of Don Nikodim, who has led the association for 40 years.

“I am excited about the opportunity to advocate for an industry that I’ve been passionate about since childhood,” said Hays. “I look forward to helping producers navigate the challenges they face running their business, while representing the pork industry in Jefferson City, continuing our relationship with the University of Missouri, and promoting our fabulous products.”

After growing up on a farm in Monroe County, Hays served in the U.S. Army in Europe before returning to the Monroe City area where he grew the family’s pig farm. He, his wife Riss, their six children and 12 grandkids enjoy the farm life the pork industry has provided them.

“Scott’s experience in many different leadership positions throughout his career and his passion for the pork industry make him an excellent fit as our next executive director,” said Adam Dohrman, chairman of the MPA Board of Directors. “We’re excited to have him join and lead the team at Missouri Pork.”

In addition to his involvement on the NPPC Board of Directors, Hays is the current board president of ALOT and a member of the Missouri Farm Bureau, Missouri Corn Growers Association, Monroe City FFA Alumni and Missouri Institute of Cooperatives. He was chairman of the MPA Board of Directors from 2011-2012.