Anne Miller defied expectations with her extraordinary journey from a 23-year-old with no prior experience in pigs or the industry to becoming one of the youngest state pork association executives, said Scott Hays, NPPC president.
That’s one of many reasons why the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) and the National Pork Board named Miller as the winner of the prestigious Paulson-Whitmore State Executive Award at the 2024 National Pork Industry Forum in Chicago, Ill.
This award, jointly developed by NPPC and the National Pork Board, honors exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment exhibited by state executives within the pork industry. She served as the Montana Pork Producers Council executive director from 2004-2022.
“Receiving the distinguished Paulson-Whitmore Award exemplifies her positive impact on Montana’s growth and involvement during her tenure and stands as a testament to the profound influence of leadership and encouragement in overcoming challenges,” Hays said in a release.
Hailing from Jordan, Mont., her impact extended beyond state borders when she took on the role of dual state executive, supporting the Wyoming Pork Producers Council in 2009, the release said.
She achieved many things during her tenure, including chauffeuring members of the Hutterite colony — who needed a cultural exception — to Washington, D.C., to speak with legislators, contributing to the We Care Ethical Principles development, serving on the committee to hire NPB CEOs, and advocating for pork quality with state meat processors.
“Mastering crisis management and leveraging industry insights, Miller emerged as a driving force behind impactful initiatives spanning Montana and the entire nation. Her leadership took center stage, particularly during the unprecedented challenges of 2020, as she adeptly navigated disruptions in the supply chain triggered by plant shutdowns,” the release said.
In addition to spearheading collaborative calls with industry peers and strategically coordinating food bank donations, Miller’s contributions to disaster relief and emergency services “seamlessly intertwined” with her state executive role. She led the charge for biosecurity enhancements for a remote health facility and applied concepts from the Secure Pork Supply Plan programming to explain and evaluate facility maps within health and human services buildings.
“Miller’s leadership, characterized by discretion and humility, left an indelible mark on the agricultural landscape. Her unassuming, yet powerful, influence garnered widespread respect, solidifying her position as a quiet, formidable presence in the industry,” the release said.
To learn more about Anne’s contribution to the pork industry, watch this video.
The annual Paulson-Whitmore State Executive Award, presented at the 2024 National Pork Industry Forum, recognizes individuals’ dedication to strengthening their state’s pork industry and positive contributions to NPPC and NPB. Named after notable past state executives Don Paulson of Minnesota and Rex Whitmore of Wisconsin, the award underscores the vital role state organizations play in the success of the pork industry.
