DES MOINES, IOWA — The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) announced Steph Carlson joined the association as assistant vice president of state and national relations. In her new role based in Des Moines, Iowa, Carlson will serve as the primary NPPC point of contact for state pork organizations.

“Steph’s wealth of experience will be a huge asset to NPPC and state associations,” said Cody McKinley, NPPC vice president of operations and state and national relations “Her agricultural roots run deep, and I’m confident she will represent the industry well and be a trusted, insightful resource.”

Most recently, Carlson served as Senator Joni Ernst’s (R-Iowa) deputy legislative director and policy advisor. She also has experience working for Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and former Representative David Young (R-Iowa). Additionally, Carlson was the producer outreach and federal policy director at the Iowa Pork Producers Association.

An Iowa native, Carlson earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science from Iowa State University.

Carlson is currently a First Lieutenant and serves as the company executive officer of Alpha Company, 1-133d Infantry Battalion in the Iowa Army National Guard.

“Returning home to Iowa and joining the NPPC team is a tremendous opportunity to combine my policy experience and my passion for the pork industry,” Carlson said. “I am excited to work closely with our state pork organizations to advocate for pork producers all across the United States.”