HARRISON, Ohio – Joe Maas, co-owner and vice president of operations at JTM Food Group has been named as the new secretary of the North American Meat Institute (NAMI). Maas previously served as an officer in the North American Meat Association, one of the two trade groups that merged to form NAMI in 2015.

Maas was selected for the secretary position, and ratified by a vote of the board of directors, during the NAMI annual meeting last September in Washington, DC. Other NAMI board roles include Sara Lilygren, treasurer; Brian Coelho, immediate past chairman; Mike Townsley, chairman of the Board of Directors; and John Vatri, vice chairman.

"I look forward to working with the new officers and the entire Board to respond to key industry priorities in the year ahead," said NAMI President and CEO Barry Carpenter. "Their collective expertise will provide guidance to the Meat Institute and to the entire industry to ensure that we work together to advance our common interests and achieve our shared goals."

"I am very honored to work alongside such an esteemed group of industry leaders," Maas said. "It's a terrific opportunity to collaborate to ensure the growth and excellence of the meat and poultry industry. We know JTM's involvement in NAMI will continue to make us a stronger company and help us reach our short and long-term goals."