A familiar face in the U.S. turkey industry has been chosen to be the interim president of the University of Minnesota.
Jeff Ettinger, a former president of Jennie-O Turkey Store and CEO of its parent company, Hormel Foods, was appointed by the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to serve on an interim basis as the university’s president.
According to an announcement from Board of Regents Chair Janie Mayeron, July 1 is the anticipated first day of work for Ettinger, but he could start “earlier if there is mutual agreement.” He is also expected to work with outgoing President Joan Gabel to ensure a smooth transition.
Ettinger is expected to serve as interim president for up to one year while the Board of Regents conducts a national search for the university’s 18th president.
“Jeff brings a wealth of leadership experience, a passion for higher education, an understanding of the challenges facing the University, and is eager to build on our collective strengths to advance the University’s mission and goals,” Mayeron stated. “His experience as a chief executive officer, as well as his community service, public engagement and communication skills stood out in a strong field of highly qualified candidates. Jeff currently leads the Board of the Hormel Foundation, one of Minnesota’s largest community foundations and grant makers.”
Ettinger served as Hormel’s chairman of the board, president and CEO from November 2006 to October 2015. He first joined Hormel Foods in 1989 and has served in a variety of roles, including senior attorney, product manager for Hormel chili products and treasurer. In 1999, he was named president of Jennie-O Turkey Store.
Since retiring from the helm of Hormel, Ettinger sought a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives in August 2022. He first ran as a Democratic candidate to fill the remainder of the late Rep. Jim Hagedorn’s term, but was defeated by Brad Finstad, a former interim director of the Minnesota Turkey Growers Association (MTGA) and the Minnesota Turkey Research & Promotion Council (MTRPC).
The two again faced off in November in hopes of securing a full term, but Finstad won that election as well.
Gabel has been selected as the next president of the University of Pittsburgh.
