ELIZABETHTOWN, Pa. – The American Association of Meat Processors (AAMP) announced two key staff appointments.

Marty Manion was named executive director for AAMP. He succeeds Jay Wenther, who held the post for 10 years and is now director of meat technology for Handtmann, Inc. Manion will manage staff, budget, convention, member services, technology implementation, communications, strategic planning and overall operations for AAMP.


Manion has 20 years of experience in association management. Before joining AAMP, he served as executive director for the Association of Independent Management, and has been director of information technology and board service for the Pennsylvania Association of Realtors. He is a graduate of Lycoming College and has earned the Certified Association Executive designation.

Christopher Young was appointed outreach specialist for AAMP. Young's responsibilities include food safety and inspection matters. He also will represent AAMP before federal, state and local agencies. Young will manage legislative and regulatory issues on worker safety, quality control, environmental and business management as well as production concerns for the membership. He also will be the association’s liaison to USDA, FDA and state meat inspection programs.

Young brings to the position 20 years of experience in the meat industry. He was involved with construction of Wild Bill’s Foods jerky production plant in Leola, Pa., in addition to quality control and operations management. He also oversaw ham production for Berks Packing Company, Reading, Pa.