The American Egg Board seeks to elevate the value of The incredible edible egg ™ as the protein of choice.
This organization serves as the catalyst that unites egg producers with key stakeholders focused on building a bright future for the egg industry through research, promotion, and education. The American Egg Board has retained Kincannon & Reed to recruit a strategic, results-oriented, and collaborative leader to become its next
Chief Executive Officer.
About the American Egg Board
The American Egg Board (AEB) ( www.aeb.org
) connects America’s egg farmers with consumers through investment of check-off funds in research, promotion, and consumer education projects. AEB and the egg check-off support national programs in advertising and public relations, consumer education, retail, foodservice, egg product marketing, Egg Nutrition Center, nutrition research, and export marketing through
U.S. Poultry and Egg Export Council.
The marketing efforts from the AEB and Egg Nutrition Center contributed to an incredible year in 2014 for the egg industry with the highest per capita egg consumption in 30 years ( 2014 Annual Report ). Demand for eggs and egg products increased while sustaining profitability for producers. This growth is notable, especially in light of the fact that retail prices continued to trend higher. The growth in sales, despite higher prices, confirms that consumers, food manufacturers, food service operators, health professionals, and others recognize the strong value and nutritional attributes that eggs provide.
Appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, the Board consists of 18 members and 18 alternates from across the U.S. Under the auspices of the federal Egg Act and Order, AEB’s total assessment revenue in 2014 collected on 234 million cases of eggs was $23 million. AEB’s staff of ~25 employees invests these funds according to the goals, strategies, and objectives of Board’s strategic plan into national promotion programs
(53% of check-off funds), nutrition research (15%), and other industry programs.
In March 2015, the current President & CEO of AEB announced her year-end retirement. The Board seeks to build on her strong performance by recruiting a top-notch senior executive as AEB’s next leader.
Position Overview
Reporting to the Board of Directors for AEB, the CEO is the leader of the organization, directing and ensuring quality programs and services. He or she will perform the following key responsibilities:
 Oversee/implement AEB’s budget, long-range planning, strategic initiatives, and organizational structure.
 Serve as the face of the organization in the egg community and with external stakeholders (e.g., media, allied industries, other commodity groups, packers, importers, etc.).
 Lead efforts to build awareness of AEB mission and maintain excellent working and funding relationships.
 Maintain a high level of visibility and interaction with food chain partners, producers, elected officers, members of the AEB, AEB committees, state associations, and other industry related audiences.
Other key responsibilities include:
 Work closely with producers through organizational task forces and committees to maintain a welldeveloped understanding of issues and concerns facing egg producers. Solicit industry input and represent the interests of producers and AEB to key allied industry partners.

 Communicate regularly to the AEB and Egg Act Delegates on the conditions and operations of the AEB and important influencing factors. Interact frequently with USDA and the Agricultural Marketing Service.
 Provide leadership for AEB’s daily operations. Understand AEB’s current programs and provide vision and overall leadership for the development of new programs.
 Develop and recommend short and long-term strategies for AEB to the Board of Directors and ensure their effective execution with Board oversight and support. Initiate and facilitate effective short and long-term strategic planning and budgeting process.
 Ensure overall compliance with licensing, and local, state, and federal laws and regulations concerning operations, employment, funding, contracts, and fiscal reporting obligations.
 Be passionate about the egg industry. Provide vision and leadership to AEB’s team in a manner that demonstrates a strong work ethic, inspires staff, encourages teamwork, and fosters successful outcomes.
Manage the AEB’s senior management team.
Other position parameters:
 AEB’s CEO role is based in its headquarters in Park Ridge, Illinois, a thriving Chicago suburb with excellent schools, friendly communities, short commutes, and world-class amenities.
 The position requires 40-60% travel, primarily domestic, with seasonal variation tied to industry meetings.
Candidate Profile
The AEB seeks a results-oriented, dynamic, and innovative leader with experience and demonstrated success in managing staff and capable of developing and implementing programs that will meet AEB’s mission and vision. The ideal candidate will have the following skills, knowledge, experience, and personal characteristics:
 A strategic thinker who understands the importance of a clear vision and focused mission with measurable outcomes. Demonstrated ability to break down broad goals into achievable milestones with associated action plans and deliverables, to anticipate and solve problems, and to take advantage of opportunities.
 Superior communication skills and statesmanship when making formal, persuasive presentations; an executive who has the communications flexibility to work effectively with stakeholders from across the food chain, consumer advocates, media, state organizations, and federal agency officials.
 High emotional intelligence, political discernment, and sensitivity. Intuitively knows when to lead from the front and when to step into the background to support direct producer advocacy for greater impact.
 Solid understanding of food value chain. Significant experience in creating and implementing marketing programs targeted at increasing demand and an improved market positioning for ag and food products.
 Success in the management and oversight of a business, nonprofit organization, or government agency (or significant subdivision of such an entity). Proven ability to successfully manage budgets and lead fiscal management activities.
 Experienced leader of diverse teams. Able to attract, retain, and motivate high caliber talent. Foster organizational culture of empowerment and collaboration.
 An affinity for agriculture and ability to be passionate about the egg industry. Sound judgment, unquestionable integrity, and mental toughness.
For consideration as a candidate, please submit your cover letter and CV to: AEB-CEO@KRsearch.net
no later than July 31, 2015.