WASHINGTON, DC – The Meat Institute selected 24 participants for its 2026 Emerging Leaders Program, which promotes and develops future leaders in the meat and poultry industry.

“We are thrilled to welcome the Meat Institute’s Emerging Leaders Class of 2026 — 24 rising professionals who represent the passion, innovation, and dedication driving the future of meat and poultry,” said Julie Anna Potts, President and CEO of the Meat Institute. “We look forward to supporting their growth through mentorship, networking, and leadership opportunities that will strengthen both their individual careers and the industry as a whole.”

This unique program – sponsored by Cryovac Brand Food Packaging – will provide the Emerging Leaders with various trainings including crisis communications, media training, project management, public speaking, and more.

The Leaders will participate in two key annual events: the Farm to Fork Tour, which guides participants on tours of producer, processor and retail facilities to deepen understanding of the agriculture supply chain, highlight ethical practices, and drive cross-sector collaboration; and the Washington Experience, which aims to empower participants with hands-on, high-impact experiences on Capitol Hill.

Finally, the selected leaders will be paired with a personal industry mentor to guide them on their leadership journey, as they attend and network at multiple Meat Institute annual events.

Applicants were selected based on their commitment to continuous improvement in the industry, their leadership potential, and the individual initiative they have demonstrated.

The Class of 2026 includes:

• Alex Floyd, Lopez-Dorada Foods
• Amy Smith, Advanced Economic Solutions 
• Anne Hurtado, FMG Global 
• Brian Brozovic, empirical foods 
• Caleb Hurst, S&P Global - IHS Markit Agribusiness US LLC 
• Corey Balentine, Neogen Corporation 
• Dakota Lovett, American Foods Group, LLC 
• Dave Griffin, Chomps 
• Haily Mulcahy, Fortrex 
• Jackie Eager, Darden Restaurants 
• Jennifer Shriver, Fresh Mark, Inc. 
• Jessica Maus, Cryovac 
• Kelsey Sindelar, Jones Dairy Farm 
• Koren Custer, Tyson Foods, Inc. 
• Kylie Schuller, Teys USA 
• Leah Howard, Honey Baked Ham Company 
• Mara Steinitz, Catelli Brothers Family of Foods 
• Mark Seyfert, Taco Bell 
• Michael Yeater, Albertsons Companies 
• Ramon Espinoza, Corbion 
• Rebecca Smith, Maple Leaf Foods 
• Sarah Menard, Kayem Foods, Inc. 
• Steve Reinhardt, WINPAK 
• William Newlin, OSI Group, LLC

The announcement of this new class also represents the graduation of the Class of 2025, who participated in the year-long agenda detailed above.

This annual program will accept applications for the 2027 class next summer. Contact Megan McCullough with questions or for further details.

About the Meat Institute

The Meat Institute is the United States’ oldest and largest trade association representing packers and processors of beef, pork, lamb, veal, turkey, and processed meat products. Meat Institute members include over 350 meat packing and processing companies, the majority of which have fewer than 100 employees, and account for over 95 percent of the United States’ output of meat and 70 percent of turkey production.