Carlos Gonzalez, Ph.D., passes the gavel to newly installed AFIA Board chair Leigh Ann Sayen (right). Photo courtesy of AFIA.

The American Feed Industry Association’s (AFIA) Board of Directors wrapped up its annual spring meeting in Arlington, VA in late May where it 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.

On May 16, the directors met with over 35 U.S. Senate and House offices, advocating for several legislative priorities on behalf of the total feed industry, including the Innovative Feed Enhancement and Economic Development Act (Innovative FEED Act, S. 1842/H.R. 6687), Enteric Methane Innovation Tools for Lower Emissions and Sustainable Stock Act (EMIT LESS Act, S.4056), Securing American Agriculture Act (H.R. 8003), Sound Science for Farmers Act (S. 3719), and the farm bill.

During the official business meeting, the AFIA Board of Directors recognized outgoing chair Carlos Gonzalez, Ph.D., vice president of global regulatory affairs at Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc., for his leadership over the past year. Gonzalez now transitions into one year of service as chair of the Institute for Feed Education and Research’s (IFEEDER) Board of Trustees.

“The AFIA had many successes this past year, and many before that, from the continued legislative, regulatory and trade policy work, planning of various member education and engagement opportunities, and the growing level of respect for IFEEDER,” said Gonzalez. “I have a lot of respect for this organization, the staff and members, and it has been my honor to represent all of you and pay it back to this industry we all love.”

New Board Chair

The AFIA Board installed Leigh Ann Sayen, chief executive officer of The Peterson Company, as its new chair, effective through the end of AFIA’s fiscal year April 30, 2025.

It also voted to accept the nomination of Dan Meagher, president and chief executive officer of Novus International, Inc., to become chair-elect of the organization for the 2025-26 AFIA fiscal year.

“I thank you for the trust you have placed in me over the next year, representing the AFIA at the national and international levels, and for the support from previous Board chairs and fellow directors as I enter this role,” said Sayen.

“It has been wonderful getting to know the new directors this week and an inspiring experience to see our board leadership standing up for the industry on Capitol Hill,” she added. “There is always more work to do to advance the animal food industry’s noble cause of feeding the world more sustainably.”

To view the complete 48-member list of AFIA directors, go to afia.org.