While united under the Southeast Pork Alliance, each participating organization will remain an independent state association with its own Board of Directors, governance/membership, and identity. Each state's Board of Directors voted to adopt the Alliance and become a founding member. The Alliance will be governed by a Joint Council consisting of two representatives from each participating state, elected by their respective state boards. 

Mission 

The Southeast Pork Alliance brings together leaders, producers, and partners to strengthen the pork industry through collaboration, education, advocacy, and innovation. We exist to create meaningful impact today while building a stronger future for generations to come. 

Southeast Pork Alliance Leadership 

Chairwoman: Katie Sherman  

Vice Chairman: Daniel Tubbs  

Joint Council Members 

• Kentucky: Annie Tolle and Michael Williford 

• Tennessee: Katie Sherman and Dr. Seth Krantz 

• Mississippi: Sean Boe and Terry Emerson 

• Alabama: Daniel Tubbs and Sammie Stone 

• Georgia: Robert Dove and Matt Anderson 

• Florida: Ricky Lyons and Kyle Mendes 

“I believe our greatest strength is each other. The Southeast Pork Alliance is about sharing resources, building relationships, and using our collective strengths to bring value back to the producers and state associations we serve while keeping our industry strong for the future,” said Katie Sherman, Chairwoman of the Southeast Pork Alliance. 

Strengthening State Associations Through Regional Collaboration 

The Southeast Pork Alliance was created to help participating state associations remain strong and sustainable while expanding opportunities for producers throughout the region. Through shared staffing, coordinated programming, and collaborative management support, the Alliance will allow state organizations to continue thriving while increasing efficiency and capacity. 

The partnership also creates new opportunities to attract emerging leaders, expand grassroots' involvement, and invest in the next generation of pork producers. 

"The Southeast Pork Alliance isn't about building a bigger organization — it's about building a smarter one. By sharing the talent and expertise of our people across state lines, we're maximizing human capital, eliminating unnecessary duplication, and delivering greater value to producers," said Niki Ellis, Executive Director of the Kentucky Pork Producers Association. 

Meeting the Needs of a Rapidly Growing Region 

The Southeast represents one of the fastest-growing regions in the United States. Population growth continues to outpace growth in pork production, creating both opportunities and challenges for the industry. 

For example:  

• Tennessee experienced one of the nation's fastest population increases in 2025, with the Nashville metropolitan area growing at roughly twice the national average. 

• Georgia has added more than 500,000 residents over the past five years. 

• Florida continues to welcome an estimated 550 new residents each day. 

While consumer demand continues to grow, the number of pork producers has remained the same or declined in many areas. Meaning more people, less pigs. 

The Southeast Pork Alliance aims to capitalize on this opportunity by promoting pork to a rapidly expanding consumer base while strengthening the industry's voice throughout the region. As new residents bring diverse perspectives and changing expectations about food and agriculture, maintaining a strong producer presence will be critical to protecting the future of pork production and advancing sound agricultural policy. 

"The Southeast Pork Alliance will benefit Kentucky producers and producers across the Southeast by creating a united front. This coalition of states will allow us to protect our entire region from unfair and unrealistic practices that threaten our ability to provide the highest standards of animal care and husbandry. Not only will this Alliance help protect our freedom to operate; it will also help drive pork consumption across the region. Right now, large metropolitan school districts like Nashville and Chicago restrict or deny pork on school menus. It's our job as producers and farmer leaders to share the story of our product and promote pork as a healthy, lean source of protein for all. Kentucky Pork Producers is strong on its own, but being part of the Southeast Pork Alliance makes us even stronger," said Michael Williford, Vice President of the Kentucky Pork Producers Association.