BOARD MEMBERS
FAEA Board Members represent American agriculture sectors that are critical to providing a secure and safe supply of food to U.S. and global consumers. Collectively they represent products that account for over 40 percent of U.S. agricultural exports.

U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC)

Nick Gardner, Vice President, Codex and International Regulatory Affairs, USDEC
The U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) is a non-profit, independent membership organization that represents the global trade interests of U.S. dairy producers, proprietary processors and cooperatives, ingredient suppliers and export traders. Dairy Management Inc. founded USDEC in 1995 and, through the dairy checkoff program, is the organization’s primary funder. USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service provides export activity support, and membership dues fund the Council’s trade policy and lobbying activities. USDEC’s mission is to enhance demand for U.S. dairy products and ingredients by securing access and assisting suppliers to meet market needs that facilitate sales. We accomplish this through research and collaboration with members, government, academia and numerous related organizations whose common goal is to ensure the health and vitality of the U.S. dairy industry.
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U.S. Grains Council (USGC)

Mr. Ryan LeGrand, President and CEO, USGC
The U.S. Grains Council develops export markets for U.S. barley, corn, sorghum and related products including distiller’s dried grains with soluble (DDGS) and ethanol. With full-time presence in 28 locations, the Council operates programs in more than 50 countries and the European Union. The Council believes exports are vital to global economic development and to U.S. agriculture’s profitability.


U.S.A. Poultry & Egg Export Council (USAPEEC)
Mr. James H. Sumner, President, USAPEEC
Out of its home office in Stone Mountain, Ga., USAPEEC's reach is far ranging. Through its network of international offices and consultants in key markets around the globe, USAPEEC keeps current on issues that have a direct impact on U.S. poultry and egg exports. Although USAPEEC's mission is to promote exports of U.S. poultry and eggs around the world, the Council has evolved into an association that is an advocate for the industry on trade policy issues. Because of its status as a not-for-profit entity, USAPEEC does not lobby, but the organization can and does act as an intermediary with USDA, in Washington and at embassies and Agricultural Trade Offices around the world. USAPEEC also has good working relationships with other industry trade associations, such as the National Chicken Council, National Turkey Federation, American Egg Board, U.S. Poultry & Egg Association, and many more.


U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC)
FAEA Chairman:
Mr. Jim Sutter, CEO, USSEC
USSEC is a dynamic partnership of key stakeholders representing soybean producers, commodity shippers, merchandisers, allied agribusinesses and agricultural organizations. Through a global network of international offices and strong support in the U.S., USSEC helps build a preference for U.S. soybeans and soybean products, advocates for the use of soy in feed, aquaculture and human consumption, promotes the benefits of soy use through education and connects industry leaders through a robust membership program.
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Elanco
Jesse J. Sevcik, Executive Director, Global Government Affairs, Elanco


National Pork Producers Council (NPPC)
Nicholas D. Giordano, Vice President and Counsel, Global Government Affairs, NPPC
The National Pork Producers Council, which consists of 42 affiliated state associations, is the global voice for the U.S. pork industry, enhancing opportunities for the success of pork producers and other industry stakeholders by establishing the pork industry as a consistent and responsible supplier of high-quality pork to domestic and world markets. On behalf of America’s 60,000 pork producers, NPPC fights for reasonable federal legislation and regulations, maintains and develops export market opportunities, and protects producers’ livelihoods. Public-policy issues on which it focuses are in the areas of agriculture and industry, animal well-being and food safety, environment and energy, and international trade.


North American Meat Institute (NAMI)
Bill Westman, Senior Vice President of International Affairs, NAMI
NAMI is a national trade association that represents companies that process 95 percent of red meat and 70 percent of turkey products in the US and their suppliers throughout America. Headquartered in metropolitan Washington, DC, NAMI keeps its fingers on the pulse of legislation, regulation, and media activity that affects the meat and poultry industry and provides rapid updates and analyses to its members to help them stay informed. In addition, NAMI conducts scientific research through its Foundation designed to help meat and poultry companies improve their operations and their products. The Institute's many meetings and educational seminars also provide excellent networking and information-sharing opportunities for members of the industry.


Merck Animal Health
Laurie Hueneke, Associate Vice President, Global Public Policy & Government Relations, Merck Animal Health
Through its commitment to the Science of Healthier Animals®, Merck Animal Health offers veterinarians, farmers, pet owners and governments one of the widest ranges of veterinary pharmaceuticals, vaccines and health management solutions and services as well as an extensive suite of digitally connected identification, traceability and monitoring products. Merck Animal Health is dedicated to preserving and improving the health, well-being and performance of animals and the people who care for them