ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA, US — Taylor Lekin recently was hired as marketing and program development coordinator for the American Feed Industry Association (AFIA).

In this newly created position, Lekin will play a pivotal role in marketing the AFIA’s educational and networking events as well as the overall value of AFIA membership, the association said. In addition, Lekin will work closely with the executive director of the Institute for Feed Education and Research (IFEEDER), the AFIA’s 501(c)(3) public charity, on a branding campaign to communicate the need for industry leaders and stakeholders to invest in the future of the animal food industry.

“Taylor exudes positive energy and a passion for helping the agriculture industry thrive, and I know she will bring creative new ideas to engage AFIA members at events and through our programs,” said Victoria Broehm, senior director of communications at the AFIA. “With her background working for a foundation and analyzing complex agricultural research and policy, I have no doubt she will be an asset to IFEEDER as it embarks on an ambitious communications strategy to reach donors, potential donors and external stakeholders in the new year.”