Recently retired as the first executive director of the Swine Health Information Center, Paul Sundberg, DVM, was honored with the Distinguished Service Award at the National Pork Industry Forum for his exceptional service to the industry.
Sundberg’s 40+ year career illustrates his unwavering dedication to animal health and industry innovation, according to a release. Prior to serving at SHIC, he worked for America’s pig farmers through positions at national pork organizations and practicing veterinary medicine for 10 years.
“Iowa pig farmers congratulate Dr. Sundberg for receiving this award and appreciate his continued dedication to improving swine health,” Pat McGonegle, CEO of the Iowa Pork Producers Association, said in a release. “Paul has played an integral role in helping the U.S. pork industry take an active approach to dealing with emerging animal disease threats and helping producers be better prepared for a potential outbreak.”
The Distinguished Service Award, presented annually by the National Pork Board (NPB), is a fitting tribute to Sundberg’s extensive career and contributions to the betterment of the U.S. pork industry, the release said. His forward-thinking initiatives, collaboration and leadership in challenging times have set new standards for excellence and integrity within the industry.
“Dr. Sundberg was one of the best bosses you could ever have. He lived by his motto, hire good people, and get out of their way,” Patrick Webb, assistant chief veterinarian for NPB, said in a release. “As a boss and mentor, he was always present and supportive. Paul is a strategist, and he could always see the bigger picture and point his staff in the right direction to be the most productive and impactful to the industry in the work they accomplished.”
The support and involvement of Dr. Sundberg’s wife, Deb, and their daughters, along with their deep-rooted connection to the community, highlight the personal dedication behind his professional achievements, the release noted. This underpins Sundberg’s approach to leadership, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and the role of education in fostering the next generation of industry leaders.
“It’s an honor to be recognized with this award,” Sundberg said. “I’ve been blessed to have a career working with smart and dedicated Checkoff staff, pork producers, veterinarians, academics and many others.”
Learn more about Sundberg’s significant contributions to the pork industry in this Farm Journal’s PORK exclusive:
A Humble Leader: How Paul Sundberg Moved the Needle in Swine Health
Read some of our favorite articles with Dr. Sundberg:
Thank You Paul Sundberg: A Pork Industry Tribute
We Need Each Other in the Pork Industry
It’s Time to Close Every Window to Keep the U.S. Swine Herd Safe
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