Bob White, a farmer from Clarendon, Texas, was elected chairman of the 12-member National Peanut Board during the board’s quarterly meeting in Washington, D.C. in December. White, who is the Texas member and had been the board’s vice-chairman, began his one-year term Jan. 1.

National Peanut Board also elected Monty Rast of Cameron, S.C., as vice-chairman; Gayle White of Frederick, Okla., as treasurer; and Ed White of Newville, Ala., as secretary. These officers will serve one-year terms which also began Jan. 1.

“As both a grower and now Board chairman, I am excited about the opportunities before us to promote USA-grown peanuts at home and abroad,” said Bob White. “My priorities this year will be to continue our strong peanut allergy education program as well as to provide support to the American Peanut Council in the area of exports.”

During the meeting, USDA officially instated new and reappointed Board members and alternates, who began their three-year terms Jan. 1. New Board members sworn in were Gregory Gill (Ark.), Jeffery Pittman (Fla.), Joe Morgan (MS) and Dan Ward (NC). Reappointed Board members instated were Ed White (Ala.) and John Crumpler (Va.). New alternates sworn in were Gregory Baltz (Ark.) and Ray Garner (NC). Reappointed alternates instated were Tom Corcoran (Ala.) and Paul Rogers (Va.).