Meat Institute selects Class of 2025 Emerging Leaders

Program promotes and develops future leaders in the meat and poultry industry.

Courtesy of the Meat Institute

The Meat Institute selected 24 participants for its 2025 Emerging Leaders Program, which promotes and develops future leaders in the meat and poultry industry.

“The Emerging Leaders Class of 2025 – our largest-ever class – is an incredibly well-rounded and talented group that stood out in a highly competitive applicant pool,” said Meat Institute President and CEO Julie Anna Potts. “This valuable program continues to guide the industry’s next generation and help them form strong relationships with leading industry experts while also expanding their understanding of the industry as a whole.”

This program, sponsored by Cryovac Brand Food Packaging, will provide the Emerging Leaders with complimentary access to networking events, exclusive leadership programming including an advocacy trip to Washington, D.C., a personal industry mentor to guide them on their leadership journey and access to Meat Institute board meetings for better understanding of broad industry initiatives and priorities. Participants also gain knowledge at both the industry level and operational level that aligns with the Protein PACT’s continuous improvement goals.

Participants were nominated by their coworkers and selected based on their commitment to continuous improvement in the industry, leadership potential and the individual initiative they have demonstrated.

The Class of 2025:

Armida Vasallo, Rose Meat Services Inc.
Benjamin Stellmacher, Johnsonville Sausage
Brooke Kitting, Seaboard Foods
Chevise Thomas, FPL Food LLC
Christina Hemmingway, Fair Oaks Foods LLC
Clarissa Harris, Tuskegee University
Duane Eichenlaub, Nicholas Meat LLC
Jamie Hodge, Gourmet Ranch
Jeffrey Wyrick, Caviness Beef Packers
Julia Nichol, Fulton Market Group
Kathleen Long, Maple Leaf Foods Inc.
Kelsey Bruno-Bayliff, American Humane
Kelsey Stearns, Harris Ranch Beef
Kevin Coburn, S&P Global
Kyla Betts, Jones Dairy Farm
Manuel Guadian, CS Beef Packers
Matt Thomas, Tyson Foods Inc.
Paula Schwarz, FlexXray LLC
Robert Stewart, Lumachain LLC
Sandy Adams Hildebrand, JBS USA
Shanna Motl, Marcus Food Co. LLC
Sheena McLaughlin, Amcor Flexibles North America
Stacy Elmore, Teys USA
Tim Alberts, Kemin Food Technologies

The announcement of this new class also represents the graduation of the Class of 2024. This annual program will accept applications for the 2026 class next summer.

Source: Meat Institute

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IPPE 2025

The International Production & Processing Expo is the world's largest annual poultry and egg, meat, and animal food industry event of its kind. A wide range of domestic and international decision-makers attend this annual event to find solutions for their business, network with industry colleagues, and learn about the latest technological developments and issues facing the industry.

The 2025 IPPE already has 1,200+ exhibitors that will occupy more than 583,000+ square feet of exhibit space. The 2025 IPPE will offer timely and important information and an efficient way for producers and processors to find solutions to enhance their operations.

We look forward to being with you again at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta. Mark your calendar to join us Jan. 28 - 30, 2025. You will not want to miss this "must-attend" event for our industries!