Currently senior vice-president of business development at Smithfield Farmland, he will join the board on 16 February, bringing with him "substantial senior management experience in agriculture".
Hodges said: "Over the years, I have grown to understand the needs and challenges facing pork producers. From product marketing to disease management to sustainability, I look forward to working with the National Pork Board staff and board to develop the tangible tools and grassroots programs on behalf of America’s pig farmers."
According to the National Pork Board, Hodges has decades of in-depth knowledge on marketing pork to key US food retailers, as well as international markets.
Dale Norton, president of the National Pork Board, said: "For the past 30 years, Chris has dedicated his career to the pork industry, building and leading teams to meet the emerging demands for protein in both the US and international marketplace."