The National Institute for Animal Agriculture (NIAA) announces the selection of 16 leaders for the fourth cohort of its Advanced Training for Animal Agriculture Leaders Program. The group will convene for its first session in Washington, D.C., in March 2025, beginning a 16-month journey of leadership and professional development designed specifically for the animal agriculture industry.
Fostering Collaboration and Leadership
Established in 2021, the NIAA leadership program aligns with the organization’s mission to promote collaboration across the animal agriculture sector. The program provides next-level training in critical thinking, leadership development, interpersonal skills and operational excellence, with a curriculum uniquely co-designed by participants and tailored to the needs of the industry.
Meet the Fourth Cohort
The 2025 cohort includes diverse professionals from various sectors of animal agriculture:
- Melissa Davis, Where Food Comes From
- Amber DeWitt, Fulcrum Global Capital
- Alexandra Eckhoff, New Mexico Livestock Board
- Miguel Gonzalez, USAID, USDA-Foreign Agricultural Service
- Haley Grimes, American Humane
- Meggan Hain, CROPP Cooperative/Organic Valley
- Ben Hopkins, DSM-Firmenich
- Nicki Humphrey, California Department of Food and Agriculture
- Darrin Karcher, Purdue University
- Hollie Kremer, Cooper Farms
- Sarah Metzler, Cattlemen’s Beef Board, Beef Checkoff
- Claire Mulligan, ABS Global
- Elena Myhre, International Poultry Welfare Alliance/US-Roundtable for Sustainable Poultry and Eggs
- Brittany Shonka-Martin, ABS Global
- Ryan Sorensen, United Producers, Inc.
- Charlotte Talbott, Rabobank
A Collaborative Program for Emerging Leaders
Participants will attend five in-person meetings and monthly virtual sessions, culminating in a group capstone project presented to the NIAA board. Supported by Farm Credit, the program equips early- to mid-career professionals to address challenges and foster innovation within animal agriculture.
"This program showcases the power of collaboration across diverse backgrounds and roles," said Jessie Wadle, NIAA manager of education and program aupervisor. "Participants build lifelong connections, enabling them to drive positive change for the industry."
Learn More
To explore the leadership program, sponsorship opportunities, or to nominate candidates for the next cohort, visit NIAA Leadership Program or contact Jessie Wadle at Jessie.Wadle@animalagriculture.org.
