WASHINGTON – The National Turkey Federation (NTF) named Leslee Oden as its next president and chief executive officer, succeeding Joel Brandenberger, who announced his retirement as the association’s leader in October 2023. Oden will assume the role after Brandenberger steps down in July, after 17 years in the leadership position and 33 total years serving in other roles with NTF.   

Oden’s promotion came after joining NTF in 2010 as legislative affairs manager. In 2015 she was promoted to director of legislative affairs and in 2018 advanced to the position of senior vice president of legislative affairs. Oden has been involved with advancing many legislative campaigns on behalf of the turkey industry and has represented the NTF at the annual National Thanksgiving Turkey presentation for more than 12 years. She holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in poultry science from Texas A&M University.  

Speaking on behalf of the NTF board of directors and the membership, NTF Chair John Zimmerman said the association is well positioned to embark on its next chapter.

“We conducted a thorough search, and it was abundantly clear that Leslee was the candidate with the in-depth knowledge needed to help navigate our industry through the intricate and challenging issues the turkey industry is up against,” Zimmerman said. “Her tenure at NTF brings a wealth of knowledge, steadfast dedication, key industry relationships and a deep understanding of legislative and regulatory priorities that will continue to lead the turkey industry into the future.”   

“I am thrilled to lead NTF into the future and am incredibly grateful for the guidance and support that our executive committee, the board of directors, Joel, current and former NTF staff, and all of our members have shown me throughout the years,” Oden said. “I am eager to start this new chapter for NTF and will continue to be dedicated in carving a path forward for our industry and represent our members in the best way possible.”