WASHINGTON — The National Turkey Federation (NTF) announced the appointments of Dale Nellor as senior vice president of government affairs and Taya Machado as marketing manager, effective July 8.

Nellor will succeed Leslee Oden, who assumed her new role as president and chief executive officer of the association on July 1. The appointments follow the retirement of Joel Brandenberger, former president and CEO of NTF, who served for 33 years.

With over two decades of experience in public policy in Washington, Nellor most recently served as executive vice president of the National Water Resources Association. He previously served as an advisor to Senator Chuck Hagel of Nebraska, managed legislative affairs efforts for USDA’s Rural Development mission and led the government affairs teams at the Meat Institute and North American Millers’ Association. Raised on a diversified row crop and livestock operation in northeast Nebraska, he remains active in the operation today.

Nellor earned his bachelor’s degree in business management from Concordia University of Wisconsin.

Machado will spearhead NTF’s marketing activities. She recently graduated from Texas State University with a bachelor’s degree in digital media innovation. Machado brings a strong background in barbecue and culinary culture. She has supported marketing efforts at several barbecue festivals and competitions across the country, capturing digital content and strategizing marketing needs for award-winning pitmasters and competition barbecue teams.