ROSEMONT, ILLINOIS (March 6, 2024) — Dr Paul Sundberg received the Distinguished Service Award at the National Pork Industry Forum in early March in Rosemont, Illinois, for his career-long dedication to bettering the pork industry.
Dr Sundberg’s forty-plus year career illustrates his unwavering dedication to animal health and industry innovation. Most recently, Dr Sundberg led the industry as the first executive director of the Swine Health Information Center (SHIC) when it was developed with Pork Checkoff funds in 2015. Prior to that, he served America’s pig farmers working for national pork organizations, in addition to practicing veterinary medicine for ten years.
“Iowa pig farmers congratulate Dr Sundberg for receiving this award and appreciate his continued dedication to improving swine health,” said Pat McGonegle, CEO of the Iowa Pork Producers Association. “Paul has played an integral role in helping the US 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 Dr Sundberg's extensive career and contributions to the betterment of the US pork industry. 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,” says Dr Patrick Webb, assistant chief veterinarian for NPB. “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. This familial foundation underpins Dr Sundberg's holistic 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 reflected. “I’ve been blessed to have a career working with smart and dedicated Checkoff staff, pork producers, veterinarians, academics, and many others.”
The pork industry congratulates Dr Sundberg for his profound commitment to animal health and industry leadership.
Dr Sundberg completed his veterinary medicine curriculum and Master’s degree in clinical science/preventive medicine at Iowa State University. He also earned a doctorate degree in veterinary microbiology with a specialty in preventive medicine from Iowa State University. He is board certified in the American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine and is a past president of the College.
Dr Sundberg is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the American Association of Swine Veterinarians, and the Iowa Veterinary Medical Association.
Paul and his wife Debra live in Ames, Iowa.
Visit porkcheckoff.org for more information about Sundberg’s longstanding achievements.
About the Iowa Pork Producers Association
The mission of the Iowa Pork Producers Association is promoting, educating, and providing a leading voice for a sustainable, socially-responsible, and globally-competitive pork industry.
About National Pork Board
The National Pork Board has responsibility for Pork Checkoff-funded research, promotion and consumer information projects and for communicating with pork producers and the public. The Pork Checkoff funds national and state programs in consumer education and marketing, retail and foodservice marketing, export market promotion, production improvement, science and technology, swine health, pork safety, and environmental management and sustainability. For the past half century, the US pork industry has delivered on its commitment to sustainable production and has made significant strides in reducing the environmental impact of pig farming. Through a legislative national Pork Checkoff, pork producers invest $0.35 for each $100 value of hogs sold. Importers of pork products contribute a like amount, based on a formula. For information on Checkoff-funded programs, pork producers can call the Pork Checkoff Service Center at (800) 456-7675 or visit porkcheckoff.org.
