SAINT MARYS, GA. – The National Protein and Food Distributors Association (NPFDA) recently announced Wendy Kavanagh would be the organization’s next president and chief executive officer.

Kavanagh brings more than 30 years of experience in non-profit management. She previously owned and operated Tessera Association Management. She also worked for the International Association for Financial Planning, Phi Mu Fraternity and the Institute of Industrial & Systems Engineers. 

“It was a team approach to find and hire Wendy,” said Chan Windham, vice president of sales at House of Raeford Farms and vice chair for NPFDA. “We had buy-in from key members, and everyone agreed she was the top choice for this position.”

Most recently, Kavanagh served as the president of the Georgia Society of Association Executives and earned a Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation in 2002..

“I’m energized to work collaboratively with the board, staff and members to continue building on NPFDA’s foundation,” Kavanagh said. “Our goal is to maximize our members’ success and to empower our members to advance their business while having a strong voice in the representation of the industry.” 

Kavanagh grew up in agriculture, where she participated in 4-H. She graduated from the University of Georgia with a bachelor’s degree in English.

The move comes after Cece Corbin, current president and CEO, intends to partially retire in early 2025. She took the position in 2018.

NPFDA said membership, event attendance, and trade show participation took an upturn under Corbin’s tenure. 

“A popular industry breakfast during the NPFDA Annual Convention was successfully re-instated and featured prominent speakers from within and outside the protein industry,” the organization explained about Corbin’s time as CEO. “Increased revenue allowed NPFDA to provide members additional services and benefits, including an expanded NPFDA Spring Exchange and a networking focused NPFDA Fall Meeting.” 

Additionally, the organization saw more fundraising campaigns, which gained space for the NPFDA Scholarship Foundation to provide opportunities for NPFDA family students.