WASHINGTON — During the National Turkey Federation’s (NTF) Annual Convention in Scottsdale, Ariz., the NTF board of directors elected Jay Jandrain, president and chief executive officer of Butterball LLC, to serve as chairman.

Jandrain stepped into his current leadership position at the largest turkey producer in the United States in 2018 after serving as Butterball’s chief operating officer, where he oversaw plant operations, corporate purchasing, transportation and warehousing, demand and supply planning, corporate engineering, and research and development. He first joined the company in 2002 as director of research and development and has since held various key leadership positions, including vice president of deli sales, vice president of R&D, vice president integrated business strategy and executive vice president of sales.

Jandrain’s expertise spans product innovation, operations and strategic growth. Before his tenure at Butterball, he built a career in food production through leadership roles at Cargill and Plantation Foods, where he focused on sales, marketing and R&D management.

Jandrain earned his bachelor’s degree in food science from Cornell University.

“It’s an incredible honor to serve as chairman of the National Turkey Federation and to represent the hardworking individuals who make this industry strong,” Jandrain said. “The turkey industry continues to innovate and adapt, and NTF plays a critical role in advocating for policies that support our farmers, processors and partners. This year, we will remain focused on key priorities, including strengthening our response to animal health challenges, ensuring science-based food safety policies and expanding market opportunities both at home and abroad.”

Additionally, the NTF board of directors named other members of the 2025 officer team and executive committee. Christy Puffenbarger of Aviagen Turkeys will serve as vice chairwoman, Leon Fletcher of Cargill will serve as secretary-treasurer, and John Zimmerman of P&J Products will move into the role of immediate past chairman.

Joining them on the 2025 executive committee will be:

  • Brandon Achen, West Liberty Foods
  • Kevin Atkins, Perdue Farms
  • Russ Dierenfield, Tyson Foods
  • Ryan Downes, Farbest Foods
  • Peter Gruhl, Next Nest LSI
  • John King, Virginia Poultry Growers Cooperative
  • Dr. Michelle Kromm, Food Forward LLC
  • Blair McCorriston, Hybrid Turkeys
  • Ronnie Parker, Circle S Ranch
  • Matt Schrupp, Jennie-O Turkey Store
  • Jordan Woodbury, Dakota Provisions