WASHINGTON — The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) board of directors installed Dan Meagher, president and chief executive officer of Novus International, Inc., as its new chair through April 30, 2026, during its annual spring meeting May 22 in Washington.

Meagher said commitment to the AFIA’s “Four Promises — Voice, Representation, Expertise and Engagement” will help the organization’s dedicated members and staff shape policies, strengthen resilience and chart a sustainable path forward.

“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,” Meagher said. “As we face global power shifts, evolving consumer expectations and complex supply chain challenges, I believe the AFIA is uniquely positioned to lead. I am honored to serve and give back to an industry that has given me so much.”

Policy advocacy got underway the same day as directors met with over 35 US Senate and House offices, addressing several legislative priorities on behalf of the total animal food industry: the Innovative Feed Enhancement and Economic Development (FEED) Act, Securing American Agriculture Act, No IRIS Act, Safe American Food Exports (SAFE) Act and Pet Food Uniform Regulatory Reform (PURR) Act.

As part of the regular business meeting, the AFIA board also recognized outgoing chair Leigh Ann Sayen, CEO of The Peterson Company, for her leadership over the past year. Sayen transitions into one year of service as chair of the Institute for Feed Education and Research’s (IFEEDER) board of trustees.

Sayen said she is proud of the AFIA’s accomplishments during the past year and dedication to its “Four Promises” — delivered with professionalism, resilience and unity — that has helped build momentum for the future.

“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,” Sayen said. “It has been an honor to serve an organization that so passionately represents a vital sector of our economy.”

The board also voted to accept the nomination of Mark Poeschl, president and CEO of Furst-McNess Co., to become chair-elect of the organization for the 2026-27 AFIA fiscal year. 

The board also confirmed the appointments of the following to serve three-year terms: Barry Baetz, Global Agri-Trade Corp.; Pete Calderon, Scott Equipment Co.; 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, PhD, 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 Corp.; Joseph Lucas, CJ America, Inc. BIO Business for North America; Sean McNear, Blue Buffalo Co., Ltd.; Lisa Norton, BioZyme Inc.; Apoorva Shah, SAM Nutrition; Glen Wilkinson, Huvepharma, Inc. Current 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, PhD, Cargill Animal Nutrition; Katie Cook, Elanco Animal Health; and Terry Medemblik, Walinga USA. 

The AFIA thanked 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 Co.; Grady Fain, Hamlet Protein, Inc.; Carlos Gonzalez, PhD, Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc.; Jonathan Griffin, Balchem Corp.; 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.

Read more about personnel changes throughout the industry.