ARLIGNTON, VA – The Meat Institute has selected 24 participants for its 2027 Emerging Leaders Program, an initiative designed to develop the next generation of leaders in the meat and poultry industry through professional development, mentorship, networking and hands-on industry experiences.

“We are excited to welcome the Meat Institute’s Emerging Leaders Class of 2027,” said Julie Anna Potts, President and CEO of the Meat Institute. “These 24 professionals bring diverse experiences, fresh perspectives and a shared commitment to the future of our industry. Through mentorship, professional development and opportunities to connect with leaders across the supply chain, the program will help prepare them to take on greater leadership roles within their companies and the industry.”

Sponsored by Cryovac Brand Food Packaging and Environ, the year-long program provides participants with professional development opportunities in areas including crisis communications, media training, project management, public speaking and leadership.

The Emerging Leaders will participate in two signature experiences throughout the year. The Farm to Fork Tour gives participants an inside look at the agriculture and food supply chain through tours of producer, processor and retail facilities, while highlighting industry practices and fostering collaboration across sectors. The Washington Experience provides participants with hands-on opportunities to learn about the policymaking process and engage with leaders in Washington, D.C.

Each participant also will be paired with an experienced industry mentor who will provide guidance throughout the year and help participants build relationships across the meat and poultry industry. Emerging Leaders will also have opportunities to attend and network at multiple Meat Institute events.

Participants were selected based on their commitment to continuous improvement, demonstrated leadership potential and initiative within their companies and the industry.

The Class of 2027 includes:

• Kerri Boling McGee, Hormel Foods
• Dominic Bushouse, Kent Quality Foods
• Collin Coffey, Mary Ann's Specialty Foods
• Michael DiSabato, HighLine Consulting Group Inc.
• Shenoa French, American Foods Group
• Crystal Fussell, Cargill
• Stefan Keeler, AFCO
• Amanda Kubinsky, Bob Evans Farms, Inc.
• Eileen Kunaschk, Birchwood Foods
• John Lacey, Tyson Foods, Inc.
• Scott Lindsey, Teys USA
• Brian McNicholas, Miniat
• Willian Nagasava, Viz Cattle Corporation / SuKarne
• Pranita Patil, FPL Food, LLC
• Mysti Richardson, Sealed Air
• Jordan Rocchi, Maple Leaf Foods
• David Rodriguez, Fair Oaks Foods
• Amanda Smart, Safe Foods
• Katie Smith, Soules Foods
• Chandler Steele, JBT
• Marel Kathy Swedlund, OSI Group, LLC
• Molly Tomasello, Kayem Foods, Inc.
• Anibal Valdivia, Cardinal Meat Specialists
• Melissa Wehr, Clemens Family Corporation

This new class will begin its year-long program at the Solutions Summit in New Orleans, Oct. 7-9, joining leaders from across the meat and poultry supply chain for education, networking, and conversations designed to help attendees think beyond their day-to-day roles, gain practical insights, and prepare for what comes next in the industry.

Registration is open for the Solutions Summit. The announcement of the Class of 2027 also marks the graduation of the Class of 2026, whose participants completed the year-long program of professional development, mentorship and industry experiences.

The Meat Institute’s Emerging Leaders Program is an annual initiative. Applications for the Class of 2028 will open in summer 2027. Contact Megan McCullough with questions about the program.

About the Meat Institute

The Meat Institute represents the full community of people and companies who make the majority of meat American families rely on every day. The Meat Institute’s hands-on regulatory and technical expertise, proactive advocacy, unique convening power, collaboration within and beyond animal agriculture, and sector-leading continuous improvement initiatives drive relationships and resources that ensure meat continues to be a vital, trusted pillar of healthy diets and thriving communities for generations to come. To learn more, visit: MeatInstitute.org.