Here’s a look at some of the newest hires in the pork industry from business to academia to state associations.
Furst-McNess Company Appoints Two New Leaders to Strengthen Strategic Growth
Furst-McNess Company (McNess) has promoted Hanbae Lee to chief operating officer. Dustin Suess has joined the company as chief commercial officer, a newly created role.
“These moves reflect our commitment to building the leadership structure needed to support McNess’s long-term growth and serve our customers at the highest level,” says Mark Poeschl, CEO of Furst-McNess Company. “Hanbae has earned this promotion through years of exceptional contributions to our strategy and operations. Bringing Dustin on board adds important commercial depth and experience at exactly the right time.”
Lee has been with McNess for four years, most recently serving as Executive Vice President of Strategy. His promotion to COO recognizes his sustained leadership and positions him to drive operational excellence across the organization, the company says. The transition also allows CEO Mark Poeschl to focus exclusively on his executive responsibilities and the company’s broader strategic direction.
Suess joins McNess as its first-ever chief commercial officer, a newly created position that consolidates commercial leadership across the company’s U.S. sales, marketing, and technical teams. His appointment reflects McNess’s commitment to an integrated, customer-focused commercial strategy in support of its McNess Nutrition Solutions business, which spans nutrition, wholesale, specialty ingredients and merchandising.
Three Standout Hires Join K-State Department of Animal Sciences and Industry
The Department of Animal Sciences and Industry at Kansas State University announces the addition of three new faculty.
Bailey Harsh joins the department as an assistant professor of meat science. She hails from the University of Illinois, where she has spent years teaching a variety of meat science classes, including Meat Technology and Grilling & BBQ Science. After earning her undergraduate degree from Ohio State University, Harsh went on to pursue her master’s degree at Oklahoma State University, followed by her Ph.D. at the University of Illinois. She brings a wealth of knowledge to the classroom, having previously served as a professor at the University of Florida before returning to teach at Illinois.
Two additional faculty members will join a world-renowned team within the department—the Applied Swine Nutrition Team, K-State says. The department is pleased to welcome Josh Flohr as a swine teaching and extension faculty member and Katelyn Gaffield to a swine research and teaching faculty position.
Flohr returns to Kansas State University after 10 years in the industry. After earning both his master’s degree and Ph.D. from the K-State Department of Animal Sciences and Industry, he went on to roles with NutriQuest and Seaboard Foods, working with nutritionists and producers across many aspects of the industry. He brings a unique, applied perspective to the classroom.
Gaffield has been with the Applied Swine Nutrition Team since 2024. She came to Manhattan in August 2021 to pursue her Ph.D. following her education at the University of Illinois. Since joining the department, Gaffield has served as an assistant research professor in a 100% research appointment, working with both graduate and undergraduate students, as well as commercial systems. Her research has primarily focused on improving digestibility, efficiency and sustainability through nutrition.
Ohio Pork Council Welcomes New Team Members
The Ohio Pork Council is proud to welcome three dedicated professionals who bring fresh energy and expertise to its mission of serving the state’s pork producers. Joining the team are Blake Campbell, producer education director; Kayla Barker, consumer information director; and Michelle Bailey, office manager. Each will contribute in their roles to the organization’s core mission of serving and benefiting every Ohio pork producer.
“The future of Ohio’s pork industry demands a team that is skilled, passionate, and relentless in its pursuit of excellence — and that is exactly what these three professionals bring to this organization,” saysCheryl Day, OPC executive vice president. “Blake, Kayla and Michelle represent exactly the kind of talent and passion we need to take this organization to the next level. Together, they enhance our ability to educate, advocate, and deliver results for every Ohio pork producer.”
Blake Campbell of Waterford, Ohio, joins OPC as producer education director. He comes from a fourth-generation, family-owned Berkshire hog farm. Having served most recently as a high school teacher, Campbell has extensive experience in agricultural education and consumer engagement. In addition to helping manage the family farm’s direct-to-consumer business and retail market efforts, he is active in his local community as an EMT and firefighter.
Kayla Barker of Morrow County, Ohio, joins the organization as consumer information director. She grew up on a crop and pig farm and remains actively involved in her family’s show pig operation, Barker Family Farms. A graduate of The Ohio State University, she earned a bachelor’s degree in agriculture with a focus on swine production and a minor in agricultural communications.
Michelle Bailey of Dublin, Ohio, joins OPC as office manager. She brings many years of administrative and organizational experience from the retail and institutional industries space along with a strong appreciation for agriculture and community service. In her role, Bailey will support daily operations and assist the organization in serving Ohio’s pig farmers and industry partners.
