TUCKER, Ga. — The International Poultry Welfare Alliance (IPWA) and the U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Poultry & Eggs (US-RSPE) announce the appointment of Andy Vance as the new executive director of both organizations.
Vance brings more than two decades of leadership experience in agriculture, nonprofit management, communications, and member-driven organizations, the groups noted in the announcement.
Most recently, he served as executive director of the Poultry Science Association, where he led strategic growth initiatives, strengthened member engagement, and advanced the organization’s global scientific mission. He is also a certified association executive (CAE), reflecting his expertise in governance, strategy, and nonprofit leadership.
As executive director, Vance will guide both organizations through their next phase of growth and impact. His leadership will support IPWA’s mission to advance practical, science-based poultry welfare globally, while also helping US-RSPE expand industry collaboration and measurable progress through its sustainability framework and aggregated data reporting.
“Andy brings a strong combination of strategic leadership, industry understanding, and member-focused experience,” Lankford Ruffin, chair of the Board of Trustees for the Poultry & Egg Sustainability and Welfare Foundation, which oversees both IPWA and US-RSPE, said. “His background positions both organizations well as we continue building momentum around welfare, sustainability, and meaningful collaboration across the poultry value chain.”
Vance has built a career connecting agriculture, science, and stakeholder communities through effective leadership and communication, the groups said, adding that his experience spans association management, advocacy, media, governance, and organizational transformation. His first official day was April 27.
“I am honored to join IPWA and US-RSPE at such an important time,” Vance said. “These organizations play a vital role in bringing people together to solve challenges, share progress, and strengthen the future of poultry through collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.”
