Josh Balk

Chief Executive Officer at The Accountability Board; Co-Founder of Eat Just, Inc.

Josh Balk, born on September 24, 1979, is an American activist and the Chief Executive Officer of The Accountability Board (TAB), an organization he co-founded in 2022. He holds an associate degree from Keystone College and a bachelor's degree from George Washington University. Before leading TAB, Balk served as the vice president of farm animal protection for the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and was a co-founder of the food technology company JUST, known for its plant-based products.1 2

Balk's career has been marked by significant advocacy for animal welfare, particularly in the food industry. He has led successful campaigns to improve animal welfare standards in major corporations, including Walmart and McDonald's, and has been involved in legislative efforts to criminalize factory farming abuses across several states.1 3 His work with TAB focuses on shareholder advocacy, compliance monitoring, and promoting corporate accountability regarding animal welfare practices.2 3

In addition to his activism, Balk has a background in sports, having been recognized as a top baseball prospect during high school before a shoulder injury ended his pitching career.1 His contributions to animal rights and welfare have been widely covered in the media, and he has been featured in various publications discussing the intersection of corporate practices and animal welfare.1 3

Highlights

Mar 25 · forum.effectivealtruism.org

Fireside chat and Q&A with Josh Balk of the Accountability Board

Oct 18 · buzzsprout.com

Josh Balk on using shareholder activism to win change ... - Buzzsprout

Experience

Chief Executive Officer at The Accountability Board (December 2022 - Present)

Co-Founder at Eat Just, Inc. (September 2011 - Present), Vice President, Farm Animal Protection at the Humane Society of the U.S. (January 2005 - November 2022)