ARLINGTON, VA. — The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) announced several personnel changes on May 16, adding new people to its team and detailing title changes for existing personnel.

Kim Atkins has joined the AFIA as manager of membership and engagement. She will be responsible for prospecting, attaining and retaining members, and servicing member companies of the association. At the AFIA, Atkins will also develop a system to further involve members and improve retention.

Prior to joining the AFIA, Atkins served as vice president of public affairs and policy for LWP Consulting and as vice president and chief operating officer for the United States Grains Council.

“We are thrilled to welcome Kim aboard,” said Sarah Novak, chief operating officer of the AFIA. “She brings a wealth of experience in the agriculture and association world and has a strong passion for engaging membership.”

Emma Bower has joined the AFIA as summer communications intern. Bower is currently a senior at Ohio State University, where she is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in agricultural communications with a minor in farm management. In her role with the association, Bower will support the communications team by drafting and editing content for distribution to the AFIA’s members and others via the association’s and the Institute for Feed Education and Research’s various media channels.

In conjunction with the new personnel, the AFIA has updated the titles of Gina Tumbarello and Molly Gaines. Tumbarello, who has been with the association for 12 years, will now serve as senior director of global strategies, policy and trade, and Gaines, who has been with AFIA since 2019, will now serve as director of access and multilateral affairs.

“When viewing the global policy landscape for US animal food products, it is clear to see that pursuing trade agreements or holding trading partners accountable is only one part of the equation for the industry to successfully enter or maintain markets,” said Constance Cullman, president and chief executive officer of the AFIA. “Much work goes into monitoring and engaging in multilateral discussions happening beyond government, and the title changes for Gina and Mallory reflect the comprehensive work they do to boost the positive image of US animal feed, feed ingredients and pet food and encourage science-based decision-making.”

Read more about personnel changes throughout the industry.