Executive Leadership

SUMMIT 

Oct. 8-10, 2025 | The Chateaux Deer Valley | Deer Valley, Utah

Rising Leaders Program

The American Feed Industry Association is hosting its first ever Rising Leaders Program prior to the Executive Leadership Summit (ELS) on Wednesday, Oct. 11. This premiere event is designed to recognize up-and-coming leaders in the animal food industry who have proven exceptional qualities in leadership in their field. These rising leaders will have an exclusive experience in hearing from fellow industry collegues and successful senior executives through speaker sessions and a workshop. These emerging leaders will also have a chance to brush up on their presentation skills before joining those attending the ELS, giving them a chance to network with industry leaders and the AFIA Board of Directors. They will also be welcome to register for ELS. There is no additional charge for the Rising Leaders Program.

Nomination Process

Each attending organization will have the chance to nominate two leaders to attend this program to allow attendance from across different animal food sectors. The rising leader nominated must have at least 5-10 years of work experience.

Each company should send their nomination no later than Friday, June 2. The nominations will be reviewed by the AFIA CEO, Board Chair and members of the planning committee. Nominees will be notified of their selection on June 12.

Two weeks before the program, the AFIA will host a virtual meeting welcoming all rising leaders with an overview of what to expect and a offer chance to answer questions.

Wedneday, Oct. 11, 2023

7 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. Registration
Noon - 1 p.m. Lunch with AFIA Board of Directors and IFEEDER Board of Trustees
1 - 1:30 p.m.

Welcome and Introductions

Ray Starling, General Counsel, NC Chamber; President, NC Chamber Legal Institute

1:30 - 2:30 p.m.

Executive Career Panel

Carly Guinn, Director of Customer Care, Hallway Feeds

Todd Hall, retired Executive Vice President, Cargill

Rob Sheffer, CEO, Zinpro

2:30 - 3:15 p.m.

Rising Leaders Panel

Ray Starling, moderator

3:15 - 3:30 p.m. Break
3:30 - 4:50 p.m.

Presenting Yourself Through Stories

Haley Stomp, CEO, Stomp Strategy LLC

4:50 - 5 p.m.

Closing Remarks

Mike Schuster, Vice President of Sales, Laidig Systems, Inc.

5:30 - 9 p.m. Executive Leadership Summit - Welcome Reception and Dinner
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Contact Us

 
KIM ATKINS    (703) 558-3566    katkins@afia.org

Contact Kim, manager of membership & engagement, for any questions regarding AFIA membership opportunities.

Sarah Novak    (703) 558-3574    snovak@afia.org

Contact Sarah, chief operating officer, for any questions regarding travel, hotel accomodations and event expectations.

DAISY RODRIGUEZ     (703) 650-0144    drodriguez@afia.org 

Contact Daisy, specialist of registrations and events, for any questions regarding registration, payment and invoicing.

LYNETTE TUCKER   (703) 558-3573    ltucker@afia.org 

Contact Lynette, specialist of meetings and events, for any questions regarding sponsorships.