SHEBOYGAN, Wis. – Shelly Stayer has been appointed chairwoman of Johnsonville LLC, succeeding her husband Ralph C. Stayer in the role he served in since 1995. According to the company, Shelly Stayer is just the third person to assume the leadership position, originally held by Johnsonville’s founder and Shelly’s father-in-law, Ralph F. Stayer. In this position, she will be responsible for leading the 74-year-old company’s board of directors and directing its growth strategy.

During her 20-plus years working at the family-owned company, Stayer is credited with helping the company diversify its offerings and spearheading the launch of several new products in addition to leading efforts to secure multi-year sponsorship agreements with the Green Bay Packers and more recently with the Milwaukee Brewers.

“As Johnsonville enters its 75th year of business, Ralph and I are so very proud of all that our members — past and present — have given to this wonderful organization,” said Shelly Stayer. “Now that we look to the next 75 years, maintaining our unique culture and family-owned status will continue to be important. I’m honored to serve in this capacity.”

Ralph Stayer, who will continue to serve on the company’s board of directors, said he looks forward to his wife’s continued success based on her dedication to Johnsonville’s 1,800 employees and her proven leadership abilities during the past two decades. 

“Shelly has been my confidante and advisor for the last 25 years, making an impact at Johnsonville in many capacities — from innovation and board leadership, to member and product development, and making our work environment an exciting and attractive place to learn and grow.”