Jonathan Cade assumed the role of Chair at the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY) during the 2025 International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE). At the same event, USPOULTRY also appointed Bill Griffith, Alice Johnson, and Kevin McDaniel to various administrative positions within the association.

Cade, who serves as the president of Hy-Line International in Des Moines, Iowa, was elected as Chair of the Board of Directors during the board meeting held at the International Poultry Expo as part of the IPPE event. Prior to his current position, Cade held the role of Vice Chair within the association. He holds a degree from Harper Adams University in the United Kingdom and previously served as the Managing Director of Hy-Line UK International.

Bill Griffith, from Peco Foods Inc. in Tuscaloosa, Ala., was named Vice Chair. Griffith, a graduate of Virginia Tech with degrees in biology and chemistry, brings a wealth of experience to the role. His previous positions include president of Keystone Foods and roles at Perdue Foods and Tyson Foods. Griffith is currently the chief operations officer at Peco Foods and has been actively involved in the industry through various committees and organizations.

Alice Johnson, DVM, from Butterball LLC in Garner, N.C., was appointed as Treasurer. Johnson, with a background in biology and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree, has held leadership positions at the National Turkey Federation and other industry organizations. She currently serves as the Senior Vice President of Food Safety, Regulatory And Animal Well-Being at Butterball, overseeing various aspects of quality control and regulatory compliance.

Kevin McDaniel, from Wayne-Sanderson Farms in Oakwood, Ga., took on the role of Secretary. With over 34 years of industry experience, McDaniel has held leadership positions at Aviagen North America, OK Foods, and Pilgrim’s. He currently serves as the chief operating officer at Wayne-Sanderson Farms, overseeing multiple business units and functions within the company.

Mikell Fries, from Claxton Poultry Farms in Claxton, Ga., continues to serve as the immediate past chair of USPOULTRY. Fries, a graduate of Georgia Southern University, has a background in business management and has held various leadership roles within the poultry industry. He is currently the president of Claxton Poultry Farms and has been actively involved in industry organizations and boards.

Nath Morris, President of USPOULTRY, expressed confidence in the newly appointed officers and their ability to lead the organization in the coming year. With their combined experience and expertise, the future of USPOULTRY looks promising under their leadership.

The appointments of Jonathan Cade, Bill Griffith, Alice Johnson, Kevin McDaniel, and the continued role of Mikell Fries within USPOULTRY signal a strong commitment to excellence and leadership within the poultry industry. Their collective contributions will undoubtedly shape the future of the association and further enhance its impact on the industry as a whole.