Meat Institute Announces Largest-Ever Emerging Leaders Class of 2025
The Meat Institute has unveiled its largest cohort yet for the 2025 Emerging Leaders Program, featuring 24 distinguished professionals from across the meat industry.
Julie Anna Potts, president and CEO of the Meat Institute, highlighted the significance of this group, stating, “The Emerging Leaders Class of 2025 – our largest-ever class – is an incredibly well-rounded and talented group that stood out in a highly competitive applicant pool.”
She emphasized how the program helps mold future leaders by providing valuable opportunities to connect with industry experts while broadening their knowledge of the sector.
Sponsored by Cryovac Brand Food Packaging, the Emerging Leaders Program offers participants unique access to leadership events, networking opportunities, and an advocacy trip to Washington, DC.
Each participant is paired with a personal industry mentor and gains insight into the Meat Institute’s board meetings, offering them a comprehensive understanding of industry priorities and initiatives.
The program selects participants based on nominations from their coworkers, with a focus on professionals who demonstrate leadership potential, a commitment to continuous improvement, and individual initiative within the meat and poultry industries.
The Class of 2025 includes:
- Armida Vasallo, Rose Meat Services Inc.
- Benjamin Stellmacher, Johnsonville Sausage
- Brooke Kitting, Seaboard Foods
- Chevise Thomas, FPL Food LLC
- Christina Hemmingway, Fair Oaks Foods LLC
- Clarissa Harris, Tuskegee University
- Duane Eichenlaub, Nicholas Meat LLC
- Jamie Hodge, Gourmet Ranch
- Jeffrey Wyrick, Caviness Beef Packers
- Julia Nichol, Fulton Market Group
- Kathleen Long, Maple Leaf Foods Inc.
- Kelsey Bruno-Bayliff, American Humane
- Kelsey Stearns, Harris Ranch Beef
- Kevin Coburn, S&P Global
- Kyla Betts, Jones Dairy Farm
- Manuel Guadian, CS Beef Packers
- Matt Thomas, Tyson Foods Inc.
- Paula Schwarz, FlexXray LLC
- Robert Stewart, Lumachain LLC
- Sandy Adams Hildebrand, JBS USA
- Shanna Motl, Marcus Food Company
- Sheena McLaughlin, Amcor Flexibles North America
- Stacy Elmore, Teys USA
- Tim Alberts, Kemin Food Technologies
The announcement of the 2025 class coincides with the graduation of the 2024 cohort, who completed the year-long program.
Applications for the 2026 Emerging Leaders class will open next summer, continuing the Meat Institute’s mission to foster the next generation of industry leadership.
Want to learn more about the Emerging Leaders Program and its impact? Visit our homepage for insights into how the Meat Institute develops tomorrow’s industry leaders.
