CLIVE (IPPA) – The Iowa Pork Producers Association Board of Directors has announced the hiring of ITS new chief executive officer.

Pat McGonegle, of Urbandale, has accepted the position and started leading the organization on Oct 1.

He’s replacing Rich Degner, who retired Sept. 30 after 35 years with IPPA, the last 17 as CEO.

McGonegle comes to Iowa Pork from the National Pork Producers Council, in Urbandale, and is well-known to Iowa hog farmers and IPPA staff.

He has been with NPPC for 19 years and served as the vice president of state relations and resource development since 2002.

McGonegle made contributions to the council’s success, including the Strategic Investment Program, the Alliance Program, LEADR and positive state organization relations.

“I am pleased to accept this opportunity to lead a dynamic organization,” McGonegle said. “I look forward to working with the leadership and the entire grassroots of the Iowa Pork Producers Association.”

The IPPA Board of Directors hired a national search firm to fill the position and several highly qualified candidates emerged to express interest in the role leading the nation’s number one pork producing state.

“We felt Pat had the complete package for the Iowa Pork CEO job,” said IPPA President David Struthers, a Collins-area hog farmer. “He has the experience and knowledge of the industry we were looking for, as well as the leadership style and personality.

“He also has the necessary contacts within the industry and other allied organizations that we work with.

“We felt he would probably make the transition to the CEO position as smooth and easy as anyone we interviewed and we’re pleased that he accepted our offer.”

It was important that the new CEO maintain and build on the excellent relationship the association and the pork industry enjoy with other Iowa agricultural organizations and Iowa State University.

“Pat understands those relationships and wants to keep them strong and he knows ISU is a great resource for us in Iowa agriculture and across the nation,” Struthers said.

McGonegle has worked in the pork industry for more than 30 years and started his career with IPPA as a field director in 1983.

He also has served as executive director of the Minnesota Pork Producers Association and worked in sales for ADM Animal Health and Nutrition.

A native of Vincent, in Webster County, McGonegle has a degree in animal science from Iowa State University.

He and his wife, Julie, have two children.