After a nationwide search, the Iowa Poultry Association and Iowa Egg Council have hired Kevin Stiles, agriculture industry veteran, as executive director.
"As the number-one egg producing state, Iowa needs strong leadership to represent our egg farming community, to navigate critical issues, and to successfully develop new markets and growth opportunities for our products," said JT Dean, president of the Iowa Poultry Association. "Kevin's diverse background as an advocate for farmers, and his demonstrated ability to create and leverage partnerships with key agriculture stakeholders, will serve our members and our industry well.”
Stiles most recently served as Senior Vice President Business Development for Midwest Dairy Association. He was responsible for managing business development staff in a 10-state area, and working with industry manufacturers, processors, retailers and other channel partners. He led the team in efforts to drive innovation and enhanced industry marketing by providing product and nutrition research information along with consumer and marketing insights to key Midwest partners. Stiles' career includes experience working for a marketing communications agency, a state trade association in California and more than six years in export marketing.
"I am very excited about this opportunity to work with a terrific group of egg producers and staff," Stiles said. "It's an honor to be a part of a vibrant industry that plays a vital role in Iowa's economy and American diets. I welcome the challenge to take the two organizations to the next level and meeting our members' needs for the future."
The nonprofit Iowa Egg Council focuses on producer and consumer education, while the Iowa Poultry Association concentrates on policy and regulation.
"We are ecstatic to have Kevin on board," said Bruce Dooyema, a producer who serves as a chairman of the council. "His high-level of experience, leadership and willingness to work with other states and agriculture organizations is a breath of fresh air, and is just what the Iowa Egg Council needs."
