The National Pork Board (NPB) announced this week a first-of-its-kind Chief Sustainability Officer role. James “Jamie” Burr takes the helm after more than 20 years of experience in sustainability and environmental program leadership. Previously with Tyson Foods, Burr served as director of environmental compliance for all of Tyson’s live-animal production businesses.

There, he led the development of Tyson’s greenhouse gas science-based target, deforestation, and land-stewardship targets. NPB sees his experiences as an asset to pork producers, as Burr can serve as an advocate for both producers and the industry.

The new role elevates NPB’s efforts in the sustainability space, a sector they’ve long been working in through research, an environmental committee, and the establishment of the We Care ethical principles. Recently, NPB created real metrics and will work with a third-party consultant to further drive sustainability goals.

Read more on NPB’s new hire and sustainability efforts here.