ATLANTA, GA (December 17, 2025) - The National Peanut Board (NPB) convened its December Board meeting in Washington, D.C. and addressed key leadership and branding decisions to guide the organization into its next chapter of growth and relevance.
A new slate of executive officers was elected. Neal Baxley of South Carolina is chair, Jeff Roper of Texas is vice chairman, Thomas Adams of Alabama is treasurer, and Westley Drake of Virginia is secretary. Baxley previously served as vice chairman, Roper as treasurer and Adams as secretary. Officer terms begin January 1, 2026, and end December 31, 2026. Casey Cox Kerr, 2025 chair, will continue to serve on the Board as Georgia’s member through December 31, 2027.
“I am deeply honored to serve as chair of the National Peanut Board,” said Baxley. “It is a time of change across the peanut industry, and with a new brand for peanuts on the horizon, the energy is high. I look forward to playing a role in our industry coming together, taking advantage of the momentum that’s been built and elevating USA-grown peanuts in powerful new ways.”
In addition to officer elections, the Board approved a new National Peanut Board logo designed to align with the new brand platform launching in 2026. The updated logo reflects a modern, unified visual identity that supports the Board’s strategic priorities, including increased relevance with younger consumers, strengthened storytelling and clearer alignment across grower, industry and consumer communications.
The next meeting of the National Peanut Board will be held March 2-4, 2026, in Atlanta, Georgia.
###
About the National Peanut Board
The National Peanut Board represents USA peanut farmers and their families. Through research and marketing initiatives the Board is finding new ways to enhance production and increase consumer demand by promoting the great taste, nutrition and culinary versatility of USA-grown peanuts. For more information about the Board, visit www.nationalpeanutboard.org.