WASHINGTON — The Women’s Meat Industry Network (WMIN) named Julie Anna Potts, president and chief executive officer of the Meat Institute, the Most Impactful Woman of 2024.

The award is presented at the annual Protein PACT Summit and recognizes a woman who demonstrates exceptional leadership in the meat and poultry industry with a passion for the development of women throughout the industry.

“WMIN is now over 1,700 members strong and growing,” Potts said. “To be recognized by these peers is beyond meaningful to me. I am grateful for this special award and feel privileged to work with such dedicated and professional women and men across the meat and poultry industry every day.”  

Potts’ proactive leadership in the meat and poultry industry to increase consumer trust in animal protein is visibly evident through the Protein PACT — an initiative led by the Meat Institute that unites partners across the industry to set and track sustainable development goals. Potts has also been monumental in introducing the Emerging Leaders Program at the Meat Institute, which seeks to foster career development for a more diverse group of future industry leaders. At her urging, the program includes a mentorship benefiting both the Emerging Leader candidate and the mentor. Additionally, the Meat Institute’s creation and dedication to its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee has led to the further amplification of diverse voices and new perspectives.

“She is very deserving of this award,” said Sharon Beals, executive director of WMIN, speaking on Potts’ WMIN recognition. “Her efforts are having a positive impact on the meat industry’s ability to operate and successfully provide safe, nutritious products to the world’s growing population.” 

WMIN congratulated other finalists for the award, including Ozlem Worpel, Seaboard Foods; Drea Starch, Niman Ranch; Kathy Moore, Perdue Farms; and Chelsey Kaiser, Clemens Food Group.