Kent J. Swisher has been named the incoming President and CEO of the North American Renderers Association (NARA). He will also serve as President of the Fats and Proteins Research Foundation (FPRF), the rendering industry’s research organization, and take on the role of secretariat of the WRO (the organization representing the rendering industry worldwide). Kent will assume leadership when current NARA President and CEO, Nancy Foster, retires on December 31.
Swisher brings extensive credentials to his new role, in agriculture, rendering, export marketing, trade policy, regulatory affairs and management. He has worked for the North American Renderers Association for more than 18 years, latterly as Senior Vice President for International Programs. This saw him directing the association’s export market development programs throughout the world and representing the U.S. rendering industry in international trade negotiations. He is also a member of the United States Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Trade Advisory Committee on Animals and Animal Products.
“Renderers will benefit from Kent’s extensive experience and knowledge as NARA’s new president & CEO,” said Nancy Foster. “NARA will be well positioned for the future as he leads the industry forward.”
“I am honored and humbled to be chosen for this position,” said Swisher. “I look forward to continuing my work at NARA in this new role alongside our many dedicated and talented members, staff, and consultants. I know that together we can achieve great things for the rendering industry.”
Prior to NARA, Swisher worked with the Continental Grain Company, U.S. Grains Council, and the American Seed Trade Association. He was raised on a grain and livestock farm in Central Indiana where his family still farms.