“It was the belief of the officers and others involved with the search process that NCBA owed it to our members, our stakeholders and the beef community to take our time as we selected the right individual to serve as the next chief executive,” said NCBA’s president Tracy Brunner.
“Today, we can say with confidence that Kendal Frazier is the right leader for the association. With many years of experience working for state and national beef organisations, he has helped guide our industry through some of its challenges.”
Brunner said that since Frazier has served as interim chief executive since 2015, his dedication to the industry body and leadership skills had been proven. “During that time, NCBA has not wavered from its responsibility to its members and affiliates as a grassroots policy organisation. Likewise, NCBA has continued its partnership with state beef councils to protect and increase beef demand.”
Future for women
Meanwhile, Frazier said he was honoured by the opportunity to serve in the position. “My priorities as chief executive will be: working with the NCBA’s stakeholders and other organisations to vigorously oppose the continued assault by the government on private property rights; work to expand and open markets around the world for US beef; increase the trust in US beef production; and ensure consumers fully understand the importance of beef’s role in their diets,” he said. “By focusing on these key areas, we ensure there is a prosperous future for the next generation of cattlemen and women.”
Having being raised on a diversified cattle and grain operation in south-central Kansas, Frazier said this background would give him the abilities to face the industry’s challenges and opportunities. “I’m looking forward to working with NCBA’s leadership, membership, staff, state affiliates, state beef councils and other stakeholders.”
‘Ensure success’
A graduate of Kansas State University, Frazier began his career as a farm broadcaster on radio and television before becoming a member of staff at Kansas Livestock Association as director of communications. He has been a staff member of the NCBA since 1985, where he has held several leadership roles.
“As chief executive, I will continue to focus on working to ensure we are implementing NCBA’s contributions to the Industry Long Range Plan,” Frazier added. “We will also ensure that we are delivering on NCBA’s member-directed policy priorities and executing NCBA’s Strategic Plan. These documents are the roadmap for NCBA and, by delivering on their promises, we will ensure success for NCBA, our members and our industry.”