AFIA Staff
Joel Newman is AFIA's president, CEO and corporate treasurer. Joel has more than three decades of diverse executive experience in agribusiness, with United Cooperative Farmers, Maple Leaf Foods and Agway. Joel brought an exciting new vision to the association and has effectively led the membership and staff through a landmark era of change. In 2005, Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns appointed Joel to the Agricultural Trade Advisory Committee for Grains, Feed and Oilseeds. Joel represents AFIA on all international issues and is a director of the International Feed Industry Federation (IFIF), headquartered in the United Kingdom. He holds a bachelor's degree in animal science from West Virginia University and an MBA in finance and marketing from Syracuse University. He can be reached at (703) 558-3562.

Richard Sellers is vice president of feed regulation and nutrition. Sellers heads the Association's feed legislative and regulatory activities with Food & Drug Administration (FDA), Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) and the state feed control agencies. He serves as staff coordinator for the Feed Regulatory Committee, Aquaculture Committee and as technical advisor to the Nutrition Committee. Sellers earned a bachelor's degree in biology from the University of Memphis and a master's degree in animal science from the University of Arkansas. He is a registered as professional animal scientist with the American Registry of Professional Animal Scientists (ARPAS). He can be reached at (703) 558-3569.

Keith Epperson is vice president of manufacturing and training. Keith joined the AFIA in November 2005 and is the staff contact for the Equipment Manufacturing Committee, Purchasing and Ingredient Suppliers Committee, Integrator Committee, Production Compliance Committee and Quality Committee. Prior to joining AFIA, Keith worked with Kent Feeds Inc for 29 years, most recently as vice president of Eastern plant operations, quality assurance and safety and training. Keith will be splitting his time between his home office in Muscatine, IA and AFIA's offices in Arlington, VA. He can be reached at (703) 558-3568.

Anne Keller joined AFIA in June 2008 as the direct of communications. As AFIA’s Director, Communications, Anne will be in charge of the association’s publications, press announcements, media relations and creating awareness of the feed industry’s contributions to food safety, nutrition, and consumer confidence. She will also over see the Marketing Committee, Alfalfa Member Interest Group and Marketing Member Interest Group.  Anne has gained knowledge and experience on agricultural issues in her previous positions, most recently serving as Director, Issues Management and News Services for the American Farm Bureau Federation. She can be reached at (703)558-3579.

Jarrod Kersey  is director of ingredients and state legislative affairs. Jarrod joined AFIA in April 2007 and is the staff contact for the Microbial, Enzyme, Forage Technology Committee and the Pet Food Member Interest Group. He also shares joint responsibility with Richard Sellers for the Feed Regulatory Committee and Keith Epperson for the Purchasing and Ingredient Suppliers Committee. Additionally, he is responsible for state legislative affairs west of the Mississippi. Kersey earned his bachelor's degree in agriculture and master's degree in poultry nutrition from the University of Arkansas. He can be reached at (703) 558-3565. 

Sarah Novak is director of membership & services. Her responsibilities include membership development, promotion, retention and services. She also heads the co-located International Feed Expo planning and organization as well as sponsorship and advertising efforts for publications and major events and generating non-dues revenue. She is the staff contact for the IT Committee and the Women in Ag Committee. Prior to joining AFIA, Sarah was director of membership for the U.S. Grains Council and has industry experience from her employment with Vita Plus and Milk Specialties. Sarah holds a bachelor's degree in animal science and a master's degree in communications from the University of Wisconsin. She can be reached at (703) 558-3574.

Steve Kopperud served as senior vice president of the AFIA for 18 years. Currently, Kopperud serves as a legislation consultant for AFIA while also serving as senior vice president of Policy Directions Inc., a Washington, DC government affairs company specializing in feed, animal production agriculture, agribusiness, animal health, food, farm policy, trade and ag research/health-related issues.

Leanna Nail serves as AFIA's director of administration. Nail supervises the AFIA support staff, administers human resources, various other office responsibilities and coordinates printing and mailroom needs. She also serves as staff contact for the Liquid Feed Committee and oversees the annual Liquid Feed Symposium, tonnage survey, Research & Education fund and Liquid Feed Hall of Fame. She attended Drury College in Springfield, MO. She can be reached at (703) 558-3567.

Judy Pilgrim is assistant to the president and public information specialist. She provides support for the president and vice president of public relations, assists the Board of Directors and committees, edits AFIA Journal and Feedgram , prepares meeting promotion material and media information. Judy is also editor of the AFIA Membership Directory and maintains the membership database. She can be reached at (703) 558-3577.

Sharon Henry serves as Administrative Coordinator & Safe Feed/Safe Food Administrator . Sharon processes applications for Safe Feed/Safe Food certification, handles mailroom functions and EMC Safety Sign orders, processes meeting registrations and assists with various administrative duties. Prior to joining AFIA, Sharon was an office coordinator for a large furniture retail store in Boca Raton, Florida. She graduated from the University of Maryland in 2002 with a bachelor's degree in general business. She can be reached at (703) 558-3571.  

Veronica Pedrotty joined AFIA in July 2008 as the association’s Meeting Planner and Marketing Specialist. She will be involved with the planning and implementation of the various AFIA meetings. In addition, she will work on marketing AFIA’s online career center, webinars and publications. She earned a bachelor’s degree in International Studies from Dickinson College. She can be reached at (703) 558-3563.

Alexa Stanco  performs as Membership & Services Specialist. Her responsibilities include program development, membership development, and updating the AFIA website and intranet site. She also assists with planning and organization of the International Feed Expo. She earned a bachelor's degree in business administration and psychology from the University of Mary Washington. She can be reached at (703) 558-3570.