The American Feed Industry Association’s (AFIA) Board of Directors concluded its annual spring meeting in Washington, last Thursday, where they advocated for key policy priorities impacting the animal food industry on Capitol Hill and conducted other official business, including installing new Board leadership and directors.
The directors met with over 35 U.S. Senate and House offices, advocating for several legislative priorities on behalf of the total animal food industry, including the Innovative Feed Enhancement and Economic Development Act (S. 1906/H.R. 2203), Securing American Agriculture Act (S. 912/H.R. 1995), No IRIS Act (S. 623/H.R. 1415), Safe American Food Exports Act (S. 1501/H.R. 3038) and Pet Food Uniform Regulatory Act (H.R. 597).
During the official business meeting, the AFIA Board of Directors recognized outgoing chair Leigh Ann Sayen, CEO of The Peterson Company, for her leadership over the past year. Sayen now transitions into one year of service as chair of the Institute for Feed Education and Research’s (IFEEDER) Board of Trustees.
“As my term as chair of the American Feed Industry Association Board concludes, I am filled with the same appreciation and optimism that I felt at the start. It has been an honor to serve an organization that so passionately represents a vital sector of our economy,” stated Sayen. “Over the past year, I’ve witnessed AFIA’s steadfast commitment to its Four Promises – Voice, Representation, Expertise and Engagement – delivered with professionalism, resilience and unity. I am proud of what we have accomplished together and confident in the momentum we’ve built for the future.”
The AFIA Board installed Dan Meagher, president and CEO of Novus International, Inc., as its new chair, effective through the end of AFIA’s fiscal year April 30, 2026. It also voted to accept the nomination of Mark Poeschl, president and CEO of Furst-McNess Company, to become chair-elect of the organization for the 2026-27 AFIA fiscal year.
“It is with passion and excitement that I step into the role of AFIA Board chair during one of the most transformative times in food and agriculture. As we face global power shifts, evolving consumer expectations and complex supply chain challenges, I believe the AFIA is uniquely positioned to lead,” stated Meagher. “Together, with the dedication of our members, the strength of our AFIA staff and a commitment to our Four Promises, we will shape policies, strengthen resilience and chart a sustainable path forward. I am honored to serve and give back to an industry that has given me so much.”
The Board also confirmed the appointments of the following individuals to serve three-year terms: Barry Baetz, Global Agri-Trade Corporation; Pete Calderon, Scott Equipment Company; Timothy Claver, Ardent Mills; Kerry Courchaine, Darling Ingredients Inc.; Brandon Dacey, Kemin Industries Inc.; Cate Hollowitsch, Star Blends, LLC; Anthony Koch, Hallway Feeds; William Lloyd, Suwannee Valley Feeds; Joseph Lucas, CJ America, Inc. BIO Business for North America; Jerry May, Freshpet; Lisa Norton, BioZyme Incorporated; Sarah Schuling, Ph.D., NutriQuest; David Stearle, Nutra Blend LLC; Glen Wilkinson, Huvepharma, Inc.; Wesley Wilson, Ag ProVision, LLC; and Brad Wittig, FNF Ingredients.
The Board approved six nominated individuals as additional members to its 15-member AFIA Executive Committee, which now includes: Christi Brown, Zinpro Corporation; Joseph Lucas, CJ America, Inc. BIO Business for North America; Sean McNear, Blue Buffalo Company, Ltd.; Lisa Norton, BioZyme Incorporated; Apoorva Shah, SAM Nutrition; Glen Wilkinson, Huvepharma, Inc. Existing members to the AFIA Executive Committee include: Susanna Elliot, Alltech, Inc.; Matt Podany, EBM Manufacturing; Karl Thoene, CHS Inc., Eric Arnold, Bill Barr & Company, Inc.; Mariano Berdegue, Ph.D., Cargill Animal Nutrition; Katie Cook, Elanco Animal Health; and Terry Medemblik, Walinga USA.
The AFIA thanks the following outgoing board members for their three years of service: Holly Bellmund, GLC Minerals, LLC; Blaine Blackburn, Westway Feed Products LLC; Tony Colanino, NewStar Sourcing; Julio Contreras, Sweet Manufacturing Company; Grady Fain, Hamlet Protein, Inc.; Carlos Gonzalez, Ph.D., Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc.; Jonathan Griffin, Balchem Corporation; A. Whitfield Huguley, ED&F Man; Bjorn Kwak, Daybrook Fisheries; Mark Lamb, SouthFresh Feeds; Ryan Millet, Zoetis; Chris Pearson, Land O’ Lakes; Dan Rice, Western Milling; and Matthew Zeigler, Zeigler Bros, Inc.
The complete 48-member list of directors can be found on AFIA’s website.
