Forrest Roberts has announced his resignation as the Chief Executive Officer of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), effective July 31. Roberts has been the CEO of NCBA since 2009.
Roberts is leaving NCBA to pursue other opportunities in the cattle industry and agribusiness. He will remain with NCBA until the end of July to help NCBA with transition of staff leadership, including his roles in several industry related organizations.
“For the past 6 years it has been a privilege to serve as CEO of NCBA,” Roberts said. “While I have decided to turn a new chapter in my career, I leave NCBA with many great memories of the time I spent working with the NCBA staff, state partners, members, producer leadership and stakeholders across the global beef industry.”
According to NCBA President Phillip Ellis, Roberts contributed significantly to the organization and the industry. “Under Forrest Roberts’ leadership NCBA membership has increased significantly, NCBA is in a solid financial position, convention attendance is at record levels and the NCBA-managed programs to build consumer demand for beef as a contractor to the beef checkoff are achieving significant results. In addition, Roberts has strengthened industry partnerships domestically and internationally,” he said. “We wish him well as he pursues other interests in the cattle industry and agribusiness.”
NCBA Chief Operating Officer Kendal Frazier has been named interim CEO to manage the day-to-day operations, including NCBA staff, until a new CEO is identified. “Frazier has more than 30 years of experience working in the different areas of NCBA,” Ellis said. “I know he will do a good job of guiding the organization during the transition period.”
Ellis said the NCBA officers will work with the NCBA Executive Committee to develop a process to search for and identify a new CEO.
“Even as our leadership changes, our commitment does not,” said Ellis. “At this critical time in the beef business, the NCBA directors and staff will move forward aggressively to protect the interests of our members and the industry.”