okPORK is excited to introduce two new board members. They were elected to the board at the 61st annual Oklahoma Pork Congress on August 7. The new board members are happy for the opportunity to serve others who are involved in the pork industry.

Sheila Kelso works as a financial analyst in the hog production division of Smithfield Foods. She spent 10 years of her 17-year career in the swine industry, working on sow farms in different management roles.

Kelso decided to run for the okPORK board because she wants to support important issues related to the pork industry and protect the lifestyle that she loves. Kelso also says she wants to help influence future generations to be involved in agriculture.

Kelso graduated from Oklahoma State University in 2002 with a bachelor’s degree in Plant and Soil Science, and a minor in Animal Science. She is certified in PACE as well as PQA.

Kelso, her husband, Dusty, and their daughter, Paisley, are involved in their church and team roping. They also enjoy raising horses, cattle, and Boer Goats for show stock.

Thomas Craig works for Maschhoffs in Oklahoma. His job as the senior production manager is to oversee all Maschhoffs’ farrow-to-wean farms in Oklahoma. This means he has about 80 employees under his supervision.

Craig decided to run for the okPORK board because it is an opportunity to build relationships with others within the industry. As a board member he plans to give his support to the industry and ensure that the pork industry is able to maintain its voice when it goes through challenging times.

Craig has held several positions throughout his career in the pork industry such as a biosecurity specialist and a farm manager. He also serves as a board member for the Richard Fire District.

Craig and his wife, Erin, have two children. As a family they enjoy camping, fishing, and golf. Craig also enjoys playing and officiating ice hockey.

The okPORK staff and other board members are excited to work with these two individuals! As we begin having more events make sure to stop and welcome our new board members!