The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) has announced a major organizational realignment aimed at enhancing advocacy, operational efficiency and member experience as the association positions itself for continued growth.
Driven by the evolving needs of its 650 members across the feed and pet food industries, the restructuring will establish three new departments — policy, member experience and operations — while strengthening support for the Institute for Feed Education and Research (IFEEDER).
“One of AFIA’s greatest strengths over its century-long history is its ability to remain nimble and responsive as the feed and pet food industries’ needs evolve,” said Constance Cullman, AFIA president and CEO. “Today, we are embarking on an organizational realignment from a position of strength – firmly grounded in our Four Promises to members and focused on where we see the greatest opportunities for growth in our services, products, events and policy impact.”
As part of the changes, Leah Wilkinson has been named chief policy officer, leading efforts to address regulatory, legislative and international issues. Victoria Broehm has been promoted to vice president of member experience, overseeing communications, events and educational programming to better align with AFIA’s advocacy priorities. Sarah Novak, chief operating officer, will head the operations department, focused on internal systems, financial planning and member retention.
“This realignment reflects the enthusiasm, energy and strong commitment of both AFIA’s board leadership and team to propel the association forward,” said Dan Meagher, president and chief executive officer of Novus International, Inc., and AFIA board chair for 2025-26. “As a board officer team, we are confident these changes will enhance the value AFIA delivers to our members and stakeholders while strengthening the association’s role as the leading voice in the animal food industry.”
In addition, Lara Moody will remain as executive director of IFEEDER and part of the AFIA leadership team. The board of directors has approved Wilkinson, Broehm, Novak, AFIA treasurer and CFO Andy Timmins, and Cullman as staff officers.
To support the new structure, AFIA will soon post openings for an education manager, policy engagement manager, and communications director. IFEEDER will also add a senior manager of research to support its expanded role in generating research and analysis for the animal food industry. Job postings will be available at afia.org/careers.
