WASHINGTON — The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) announced several recent staff updates, including the addition of Andy Curliss as vice president of strategic engagement, effective April 22. In this new role, Curliss will lead efforts focused on expanding the reach and influence of the US pork industry.

“As our industry evolves due to changing policies and economic challenges, we are excited to welcome Andy back to Team Pork,” said Bryan Humphreys, chief executive officer of NPPC. “With his in-depth approach and strategic insight, we are confident in his ability to help advance the industry.”

Pork industry veteran Curliss brings agriculture business experience to his new position. Most recently, Curliss served as director of external affairs at the SAS Institute, where he provided executive-level counsel across a range of subjects like agriculture and life sciences. He previously worked for the North Carolina Pork Council and Smithfield Foods in senior-level positions. Curliss was also a longtime investigative reporter and state government editor at the Raleigh News & Observer, focusing on government affairs.

Curliss earned a bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Toledo and a master’s in business administration from East Carolina University.

In addition to Curliss’s appointment, two NPPC staff members were promoted.

After her successful service as interim vice president of domestic policy, Maria C. Zieba was officially promoted to vice president of government affairs. Zieba will oversee NPPC’s international affairs and domestic policy teams.

Zieba first joined NPPC in 2015. Prior to her tenure with the association, she was a trade policy manager for the National Milk Producers Federation and the US Dairy Export Council, where she worked on various non-technical trade issues affecting the dairy industry. Zieba previously served the US Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service, managing capacity-building projects to increase US agricultural exports to emerging markets.

“Maria’s promotion is well deserved and reflects her leadership and expertise over many years at NPPC and in the pork industry,” Humphreys said.

The third and final appointment announced by NPPC was the promotion of Chase Adams from senior director to assistant vice president of domestic policy. In this role, Adams will lead NPPC’s congressional advocacy and engagement to ensure the pork industry’s interests are effectively represented and championed on Capitol Hill.

Before joining NPPC in 2022, Adams was senior policy and information director for the American Sheep Industry Association. Prior to that, he served as director of communications for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. Adams’ career began in agriculture as a farm director for the radio station KBHB in Sturgis, SD. He also practiced law for several years.

Currently, Adams serves on the board of directors for the Western Resources Legal Center — a non-profit educational organization that provides law students with quality instruction to develop their legal skills in natural resources and environmental laws. He formerly served on the USDA Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee for Animals and Animal Products. He is an alumnus of the South Dakota Agricultural and Rural Leadership program.

“With Chase’s proven ability to navigate the complex political landscape in Washington, I am confident that in this elevated role he will continue to be an invaluable asset to drive our advocacy initiatives and build strong relationships on Capitol Hill,” Humphreys said.