The Minnesota Pork Producers Association has announced Bailey Ruen as the new director of communications and has promoted Lauren Servick as director of public policy strategy and sustainability.

As director of communications, Ruen leads image and public relations strategies to build trust in Minnesota's more than 3,000 family pig farmers. Her responsibilities include developing digital content, video, audio and print media, website management and external media relations.

"On behalf of the Minnesota Pork Board of Directors and staff, I am excited to announce the addition of Bailey Ruen to the Minnesota Pork team," said Jill Resler, CEO of the Minnesota Pork Board and Minnesota Pork Producers Association. "Bailey's desire to serve Minnesota pig farmers, her communication background, and agrarian roots will serve our industry well as we continue to build trust in Minnesota's family pig farmers."

Ruen's passion for the industry began while growing up on her family's pig and crop farm near Lanesboro, Minnesota. She is a 2022 University of Minnesota graduate with a bachelor's degree in agricultural communication and marketing. She has most recently been employed as an associate account executive at agricultural marketing agency, Curious Plot.

Servick has been promoted to director of public policy strategy and sustainability, where she'll lead the development of public policy strategy and sustainability efforts.

"Lauren's demonstrated experience in the sustainability and public policy arenas will be invaluable as we continue to defend Minnesota pig farmer's permission to operate," said Resler. "Her passion to serve Minnesota pig farmers in a dynamic and complex operating environment is unmatched – we are fortunate to have Lauren on the team as we work to ensure opportunities for future generations of pig farmers in Minnesota."

Servick joined the MPPA as director of communications and marketing in January 2017 later becoming more involved in public policy efforts. Servick most recently served as the director of marketing and public policy engagement since June 2018.