WASHINGTON – The North American Meat Institute (NAMI) announced on Dec. 16 the hiring of Bryan Burns as its vice president and associate general counsel. In this role, Burns will work on a several issues including workforce and sustainability.

Burns currently works as the general counsel corporate secretary and vice president of risk management and environmental health and safety at Bachoco OK Foods. Burns will be employed at the company until the end of 2021.  

“Bryan has 20 years of experience in the industry and previously worked with the Meat Institute on meat and poultry regulation,” said Julie Anna Potts, president and chief executive officer of the Meat Institute. “We are pleased to have his expertise as we assist members in addressing labor, environmental, and sustainability challenges as a part of their participation in Protein PACT.”

During his time at Bachoco OK Foods, Burns led the company’s COVID strategy, worker’s compensation, worker safety, environmental, and sustainability efforts. Before working at Bachoco, he spent 15 years as a senior counsel with Tyson Foods. 

Along with complex litigation, and handling government agency investigations, Burns worked on Packers and Stockyards Act issues in his previous positions.