New Leadership Appointments at U.S. Poultry & Egg Association

Bill Griffith, the Chief Operations Officer of Peco Foods based in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, has been elected the new chair of the board of directors for the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY). This announcement was made during the recent board meeting held at the International Poultry Expo, part of the 2026 International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE). Previously, Griffith served as vice chair and is expected to lead with a wealth of experience in the poultry industry.

About Bill Griffith

Griffith holds a dual degree in biology and chemistry from Virginia Tech. Prior to his role at Peco Foods, he was the president of Keystone Foods, U.S. His extensive background includes significant roles at Perdue Foods, where he was responsible for food safety, quality, and regulatory compliance, as well as experience as a microbiologist with Tyson Foods. Griffith actively contributes to the poultry sector through his involvement on the USPOULTRY Foundation Research Advisory Committee and his engagement with the National Chicken Council.

Vice Chair: Alice Johnson, DVM

Alice Johnson, a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and senior vice president for food safety, regulatory affairs, and animal well-being at Butterball LLC, has been appointed vice chair. Johnson earned her bachelor’s degree in biology from Pfeiffer College and her DVM from Tuskegee Institute. Before joining Butterball, she served as president and CEO of the National Turkey Federation and has held numerous leadership roles within various organizations such as the National Food Processors Association and the American Meat Institute. Johnson is recognized for her pivotal role in managing food safety and regulatory compliance at Butterball.

Treasurer: Kevin McDaniel

Kevin McDaniel of Wayne-Sanderson Farms has been named treasurer. He holds a bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics from Stephen F. Austin State University. McDaniel brings over 34 years of industry experience to his role, having served previously as president of Aviagen North America, as well as in senior positions with OK Foods and Pilgrim’s. In addition to his role at USPOULTRY, he is involved with the National Chicken Council and Southern Hens, and serves as the President and CEO of Wayne-Sanderson Farms.

Secretary: John Wright

John Wright has been appointed secretary of the board. He is the executive vice president and chief operating officer of Fieldale Farms and a retired Lieutenant Colonel with over twenty years of service in the Georgia Army National Guard. Wright received a Bachelor of Science degree from Auburn University and is actively engaged in his community, serving on multiple local boards including the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce and the Peach State Bank Community Advisory Board.

Immediate Past Chair: Jonathan Cade

Jonathan Cade, president of Hy-Line International, serves as the immediate past chair. Cade holds a degree from Harper Adams University in the United Kingdom and previously managed Hy-Line’s subsidiary operations in the UK.

Looking Ahead

“With the experience and guidance these officers bring to our organization, the future of USPOULTRY is in excellent hands. I look forward to their leadership in helping to shape our organization over the next year,” stated Nath Morris, president of USPOULTRY.

For more information, visit US Poultry & Egg Association.