FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — She’s number one!
Christy Puffenbarger, Aviagen Turkeys vice president of technical services, was elected to serve as the National Turkey Federation’s first-ever woman chair. NTF, in announcing its new slate of Executive Committee and Board of Director members, added that Puffenbarger is the first woman to hold this seat in the organization’s more than 80-year history.
The group revealed its new leadership during its recent Annual Convention in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Puffenbarger succeeds Jay Jandrain, Butterball LLC president and CEO, who now becomes the federation’s immediate past chair.
“Serving as chair of the National Turkey Federation is both an incredible responsibility and a milestone,” Puffenbarger said. “Being the first woman to hold this role reflects how our industry continues to evolve, but it also underscores the importance of strong leadership rooted in experience, science and collaboration.”
“The turkey industry is facing complex challenges, from animal health and welfare to food safety and global trade, and progress will depend on thoughtful, practical solutions that work across the entire supply chain,” she added. “NTF plays a critical role in bringing producers, processors and allied industry together, and I look forward to helping guide that work in a way that strengthens the industry today and positions it for the future.”
For her background, Puffenbarger has more than 30 years of experience in turkey live operations and production. She has been with Aviagen Turkeys since 2006, where she is currently leading the company’s global technical services team. Her work involves partnering with customers both nationally and internationally on flock health, performance, and animal welfare. She was also, previously, with Rocco/Cargill for 17 years in a variety of leadership production roles.
With NTF, Puffenbarger has collaborated with the Executive Committee, Welfare Standards Subcommittee, and its Animal Health Task Force. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business administration from James Madison University. She lives in Virginia with her husband, Kent.
Other new NTF officers for 2026 will include Russ Dierenfield, Tyson Foods, as vice chair; and John King, Virginia Poultry Growers Cooperative, as secretary/treasurer.
Other members of the NTF 2026 Executive Committee will be: Brandon Achen, West Liberty Foods; Kevin Atkins, Perdue Farms; Ryan Downes, Farbest Foods; Darrin Froemming, TFC Poultry; Peter Gruhl, Next Nest LSI; Dr. Michelle Kromm, Food Forward LLC; Blair McCorriston, Hybrid Turkeys; Matt Schrupp, Jennie-O; Curtis Walcott, Walcott Farms; Jordan Woodbury, Dakota Provisions; and John Zimmerman, P&J Products.
