Frazier named NCBA CEO

WASHINGTON, March 22, 2016 – The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association officially named Kendal Frazier as the organization’s chief executive officer after serving nine months in an interim capacity.

The announcement – made today in an NCBA release – comes after the resignation of former CEO Forrest Roberts in June. At the time, Roberts said he was leaving “to pursue other opportunities in the cattle industry and agribusiness,” and Frazier was named the interim CEO.

In a statement, NCBA President Tracy Brunner said those involved in the selection of the new CEO wanted to take their time and make sure the right choice was made.

“Today, we can say with confidence that Kendal Frazier is the right leader for the association,” Brunner said. “With many years of experience working for state and national beef organizations, he has helped to guide our industry through some of its greatest challenges.”

Frazier said he’s honored by the announcement and that that he’ll “vigorously oppose the continued assault by the government on private property rights,” work to expand markets for U.S. beef, and try to increase consumer trust in U.S. beef production.

“It has been my privilege to serve our industry,” Frazier said. “I have spent my career working with and for beef producers, so I am well versed in the many challenges and exciting opportunities that face our industry. I’m looking forward to working with NCBA’s leadership, membership, staff, state affiliates, state beef councils and other stakeholders.”

At the Cattle Industry Convention in January, Frazier told Agri-Pulse that he has “worked in all areas of the organization,” most recently as the Chief Operations Officer. Before being the COO, he was the vice president of communications for the former National Cattlemen’s Association, originally joining the organization in 1985. Before his time at NCA, he worked with the Kansas Livestock Association as a communications director as well as a stint as a farm broadcaster in Kansas.

Frazier takes over as NCBA begins work on the next farm bill as well as keeps up its push for ratification of the Trans-Pacific Partnership and repeal of the Waters of the U.S. rule. NCBA is the country’s largest beef industry trade group with over 28,000 individual members.

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