ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA, U.S. — The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) said on April 10 that it has welcomed two new staff members in 2013. Katharine Gausmann has joined AFIA as the membership and meetings coordinator, while Paul Keppy is the new legislative and regulatory specialist.

Gausmann, who joined AFIA in January, is originally from Naperville, Illinois, U.S. She attended the University of South Carolina and has a bachelor’s of science degree in hospitality management with concentrations in meeting and event management and club management. Her internships with the Chevy Chase Club, Purple Tie by Ridgewells and Caesars Entertainment, have provided her with a range of hospitality experience making her an ideal resource in helping the association’s meeting needs under the direction of Veronica Rovelli, director of meetings and events. 

Keppy is a native of Iowa where his family is involved in pork production. He has bachelor degrees in economics and political science from Iowa State University, and a master’s in public service and administration from the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University. He will be working under Richard Sellers and closely with Leah Wilkinson and Gina Tumbarello in helping AFIA members meet the compliance mandates of the current and new regulations on the horizon, including those related to the comprehensive Food Safety Modernization Act. 

Gausmann can be reached at kgausmann@afia.org or 1.703.558.3573, while Keppy can be reached at pkeppy@afia.org or 1.703.650.0144.