Kent Swisher selected as next president of North American Renderers Assn.

The North American Renderers Association has selected Kent J. Swisher as the organization’s new president and CEO effective Jan. 1, 2022, once current NARA president and CEO Nancy Foster retires Dec. 31. Foster has led NARA since 2013.

The organization said its selection committee conducted an extensive search, vetting more than 100 applicants this spring and summer before narrowing the field down to six candidates for in-person interviews in August. The committee unanimously recommended Swisher for the leadership role.

Swisher has worked for NARA for 18 years and currently serves as the senior vice president of international programs. In addition to being selected as the organization’s new president and CEO, Swisher will also serve as the next president of the Fats and Proteins Research Foundation and secretariat of the World Renderers Association.

“His extensive experience in agriculture, management and rendering will be important assets as NARA’s new president and CEO,” said NARA Chairman Doyle Leefers of National Beef Packing Company LLC. “His years of experience in international market development will complement the current staff to provide high value for our membership in the years ahead.”

Swisher holds a bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics from Purdue University.