AFIA names membership manager, announces title changes

The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) names Kim Atkins as its new manager of membership and engagement.

Atkins will be responsible for prospecting, attaining, retaining, and servicing AFIA member companies, working to develop and continuously improve a system of involving members in the association.

Previously, Atkins served as vice president of public affairs and policy for LWP Consulting and as the vice president and COO 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.

In addition, the AFIA said it has adapted the titles of two of its policy staff to better reflect the depth and breadth of work they do for members on a global scale.

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 AFIA President and CEO Constance Cullman. “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.”

Emma Bower, a senior at The Ohio State University, also joins the AFIA as a communications intern.