After an extensive process, AAFCO announced it has hired Austin Therrell as its new executive director, effective September 6, 2022.
The AAFCO hiring committee received more than 60 applications from candidates across the country and evaluated applicants based on government and regulatory experience, food chain and industry knowledge, feed regulation material comprehension, strategic planning and leadership skills.
Therrell has served as the feed safety program manager for the South Carolina Department of Agriculture (SCDA) since 2020 and has been an active member of AAFCO since 2018. During his time at SCDA, he oversaw the development and implementation of new strategic improvement plans and a new feed registration system, expanded the agency's regulatory authority throughout the state, managed FDA feed contracts and inspections, and fully implemented the Animal Feed Regulatory Program Standards (AFRPS).
Therrell's extensive industry knowledge and involvement with AAFCO makes him the ideal fit for this new role. In addition to serving on AAFCO's board of directors, he has co-chaired the Feed and Feed Ingredient Manufacturing Committee, been a member of the Pet Food Committee, and led many workgroups drafting and revising guidelines. He's worked with numerous feed industry trade associations on a wide range of initiatives.
In this new role, Therrell will work alongside the board of directors to ensure all AAFCO members continue to have the tools and resources needed to succeed, both within AAFCO and at home in each individual state. He hopes to bring a new perspective of innovative thinking, and a commitment to servant leadership that will lead AAFCO into a new chapter.
