Ms Webb’s two-year term in this position began May 1. The Alliance's 31-member board of directors consists of representatives from all major sectors of animal agriculture.

"I look forward to working closely with the Alliance staff to execute the Alliance’s mission of bridging the communication gap between farm and fork,” Ms Webb said.

“Each day it becomes more critical for the animal agriculture industry to come together to collaboratively address the challenges facing all of us, and I’m happy to have this leadership role to help the Alliance meet its stated mission and objectives," Ms Webb said.

"We are excited to work with Sherrie as chairperson of our board," said Kay Johnson Smith, Alliance president and CEO.

"Her technical knowledge and deep background in animal welfare will be extremely valuable to our team. Her leadership and guidance will help the Alliance to remain a leader in speaking on behalf of the animal agriculture community as a whole."

As director of animal welfare, Webb works with veterinarians, producers and other segments of the pork chain to identify welfare issues concerning the swine industry and work collaboratively to provide solutions to these issues. Prior to joining Pork Checkoff in 2005, Webb received her master of science degree in animal science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Ms Webb has represented NPB on the Alliance’s board of directors since 2008 and succeeds Paul Pressley, executive vice president of US Poultry & Egg Association, as chair.