DENVER – Forrest Roberts is leaving the CEO post at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association effective July 31. Roberts has served as the association’s CEO since 2009. Roberts said he is leaving NCBA to pursue other opportunities. NCBA Chief Operating Officer Kendal Frazier has been named interim CEO to manage day-to-day operations, including NCBA staff, until a new CEO is identified. Ellis said the association’s officers will work with the Executive Committee to develop a search process and select a new CEO. 

Forrest Roberts

“Under Forrest Roberts’ leadership NCBA membership has increased significantly, NCBA is in a solid financial position, convention attendance is at record levels and the NCBA-managed programs to build consumer demand for beef as a contractor to the beef checkoff are achieving significant results,” said Phillip Ellis, NCBA president. “In addition, Roberts has strengthened industry partnerships domestically and internationally.

“We wish him well as he pursues other interests in the cattle industry and agribusiness.”

Roberts was raised on a family-owned, livestock operation in Uvalde, Texas. He grew the business to include a retail meat market for locally grown, corn-fed beef and pork. During his career, Roberts held several marketing and sales positions at two animal health companies.

Before he was elevated to CEO, Roberts served in several NCBA volunteer positions. He served as a member of the association’s Executive Committee, Board of Directors, Allied Industry Council, Long-Range Planning Committee and the National Cattlemen’s Foundation Board of Trustees.

“For the past six years it has been a privilege to serve as CEO of NCBA,” Roberts said. “While I have decided to turn a new chapter in my career, I leave NCBA with many great memories of the time I spent working with the NCBA staff, state partners, members, producer leadership and stakeholders across the global beef industry.”