First Woman to Hold Chairmanship in Federation History

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., February 23, 2026 – The National Turkey Federation (NTF) today announced its 2026 officer team and Executive Committee members, elected by the Board of Directors during the 2026 NTF Annual Convention in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Christy Puffenbarger, vice president of technical services at Aviagen Turkeys, Inc., was elected to serve as chairwoman, becoming the first woman to hold the position in the organization’s more than 80-year history. She succeeds Jay Jandrain, president and CEO of Butterball, LLC., who served as chairman in 2025.

Russ Dierenfield of Tyson Foods will serve as vice chair and John King of Virginia Poultry Growers Cooperative as secretary treasurer. Jandrain will move into the role of immediate past chair.

“Serving as chair of the National Turkey Federation is both an incredible responsibility and a milestone. 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,” said Puffenbarger. “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. 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.”

Puffenbarger brings more than three decades of experience in turkey production and live operations. She joined Aviagen Turkeys, Inc. in 2006, where she currently leads its global technical services team, partnering with customers across the United States and internationally to support flock health, welfare and performance. She previously spent 17 years with Rocco/Cargill in a variety of production leadership roles and has long been active within NTF, serving on the Executive Committee, Welfare Standards Subcommittee and Animal Health Task Force. Christy earned both her BBA and MBA from James Madison University and resides in Virginia with her husband, Kent.

Joining Puffenbarger, Dierenfield, King and Jandrain on the 2026 Executive Committee will be:

• Brandon Achen
• Kevin Atkins
• Ryan Downes
• Darrin Froemming
• Peter Gruhl
• Dr. Michelle Kromm
• Blair McCorriston
• Matt Schrupp
• Curtis Walcott
• Jordan Woodbury
• John Zimmerman

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