ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA, US — The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) has hired Kim Atkins as its new manager of membership and engagement and updated the titles of two policy staffers to better reflect their global roles with the organization.

Atkins will be responsible for expanding AFIA membership while providing services for member companies. She will develop and continuously improve a system of involvement that also retains members through recognition of the value they bring to the AFIA.

“We are thrilled to welcome Kim aboard,” said Sarah Novak, chief operating officer of the AFIA. “She brings a wealth of experience in the agriculture and association world and has a strong passion for engaging membership.”

Previously, Atkins was vice president of public affairs and policy for LWP Consulting and vice president and chief operating officer for the US Grains Council.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in political science, with an emphasis in American politics and public law, and a minor in communications studies from the University of Montana. Atkins is originally from Sunburst, Montana, US.

The AFIA also has adapted the titles of two of its policy staff to better reflect the depth and breadth of their work for membership worldwide.

Gina Tumbarello, who has been with the association since 2011, has been named senior director of global strategies, policy and trade, and Mallory Gaines, who has been with the association since 2019, has been named director of market access and multilateral affairs. Tumbarello currently sits on the US Agricultural Trade Advisory Committee for Grains, Feed, Oilseeds and Planting Seeds and serves as the staff contact for the AFIA International Trade Committee.

“When viewing the global policy landscape for US animal food products, it is clear to see that pursuing trade agreements or holding trading partners accountable is only one part of the equation for the industry to successfully enter or maintain markets,” said Constance Cullman, president and chief executive officer of the AFIA. “Much work goes into monitoring and engaging in multilateral discussions happening beyond government, and the title changes for Gina and Mallory reflect the comprehensive work they do to boost the positive image of US animal feed, feed ingredients and pet food and encourage science-based decision-making.”

The AFIA also welcomes Emma Bower, a senior at The Ohio State University, as its communications intern, where she’ll be supporting the communications team with drafting and editing content for distribution to members and other target audiences via AFIA’s and the Institute for Feed Education and Research’s (IFEEDER) multimedia communications channels.

Based in Arlington, Virginia, US, the AFIA is the world’s largest organization devoted exclusively to representing the business, legislative and regulatory interests of the US animal food industry and its suppliers.