Don Nikodim of Columbia, Missouri, has been Executive Director of the Missouri Pork Producers Association (MPPA) since 1983. While at MPPA, he has worked to preserve markets for swine producers.

After receiving his B.S. in agriculture and teaching certification in 1974, Nikodim began his career as a vocational agriculture teacher in Odessa, Missouri. During the next several years, he completed his master's in education and accepted the position of executive secretary for the Poland China Swine Record Association. As executive secretary, he worked with pork producers across the United States and helped the association through difficult and challenging times with record sales and growth. He also represented the National Association of Swine Records on a trade mission to Japan.

In December 1983, Nikodim was selected as the Executive Director of the Missouri Pork Producers Association. During the past 16 years, he has helped the association successfully face many challenges, from basing the state headquarters in Columbia to enduring the worst economic times for pork producers since the great depression. The MPPA, with Nikodim at its helm, has expanded promotion, education, research and public policy efforts through the swine industry. Because of his influence, the MPPA continues to be a leader in youth development, with internships and programs such as the Pork Institute, FFA Pork Speaking contest and Sale and Marketing contests.

In an effort to continue his leadership development, Nikodim was a member of the Class II Agriculture Leadership of Tomorrow program. He credits hogs as being largely responsible for paying his way through college. Now, he is paying back the pork industry by being a strong voice and advocate for the Missouri pork producer.