On September 1st NARA announced that Kent Swisher has been named the incoming president & 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. Kent will assume leadership upon the retirement of NARA’s current president and CEO, Nancy Foster, on December 31, 2021.
Kent has worked for the North American Renderers Association for over 18 years directing NARA’s export market development programs as the Senior Vice President for International Programs. In this position he has implemented marketing and market access programs for rendered products all over the world and represented the U.S. rendering industry in international trade negotiations.
Kent is also member of the United States Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Trade Advisory Committee on Animals and Animal Products, and oversees NARA’s offices in Hong Kong, Mexico City, and several consultants worldwide.
During his work at NARA, he’s contributed over 40 publications on behalf of the rendering industry and often speaks publicly on rendering and trade topics in the U.S. and abroad.
In the NARA press release Kent said, “I am honored and humbled to be chosen for this position. 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.”
Before his work at NARA, Kent 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.
Join us in welcoming Kent as NARA’s new President and CEO at the end of the 2021 year!
