Washington, D.C. — Industry veteran Joy Philippi has been named vice-president of legislative affairs at the American Meat Institute. Ms. Philippi will handle a variety of issues before Congress and the administration, including those impacting the environment and animal welfare.

A fourth-generation family farmer and manager, Ms. Philippi has owned and managed the swine production facility Pine Alley LLC since 1997. She has a long record of leadership and advocacy, serving on local, state, national and international levels, A.M.I. relays. She is past president of Nebraska Pork Producers Association and 2006 president of National Pork Producers Council.


While in these roles, she provided leadership in developing industry positions on a wide range of issues affecting the U.S. swine industry, served as a pork industry representative to other agricultural organizations and as spokesperson for the industry in dealings with Congress and federal agency officials.

Ms. Philippi also served as co-chair of the N.P.P.C. Farm Bill task force and advocated its passage to Congress, developing and maintaining strong working relationships with many members on both sides of the aisle.

Previously, she was employed as a scale master, general accountant and grain inspector at Bruning Grain and Feed Company, and as an editor covering agriculture news at Hebron Journal-Register. She is a graduate of Southeast Community College-Fairbury, Neb.

“Joy’s knowledge of production agriculture combined with her experience in public policy and advocacy will be an enormous asset to A.M.I.,” said J. Patrick Boyle, president and chief executive officer.

In other news, A.M.I. promoted Matthew Mika to senior director of legislative affairs. Mr. Mika has been with the association since January 2009, where he has focused on many issues including food safety and immigration. He previously served as senior legislative assistant for agricultural issues in the office of Rep. Tim Walberg (R-MI) and also worked for Rep. Dave Camp (R-MI).

Rosie Levine has also been promoted to manager, convention and exposition services. Ms. Levine joined A.M.I. in April 2008.