NAMI introduces members to its new president, CEO

Eric Gustafson, Coast Packing (left), Julie Anna Potts and John Vatri, Cardinal Meat Specialists Ltd. (Source: Kimberlie Clyma/MEAT+POULTRY)

During her first week on the job as the new president and CEO of the North American Meat Institute (NAMI) Julie Anna Potts was immersed in the industry, touring meat plants and meeting NAMI members in Ohio and Pennsylvania. Her second week on the job was spent meeting more members in Washington, DC, at the NAMI Fall Forum and Board Meeting

“I’m joining an awesome industry,” Potts said to the attendees of the Fall Forum meet and greet breakfast on Oct. 5. “It’s such an honor to be given the responsibility to speak for you in Washington and to advocate for your interests.”

Potts was named the successor to Barry Carpenter Aug. 22. Carpenter announced his retirement last December. He will stay on as an advisor to Potts through the end of the year.

“There is so much knowledge and experience and relationships that Barry Carpenter has,” Potts said. “I’m trying to extract anything I can.”