WASHINGTON – The American Meat Institute (AMI) announced six new officers who were elected to serve for 2012-2013. The elections were held at AMI’s board of directors meeting in Toronto, Alberta.

Nick Meriggioli, executive vice president, Kraft Foods Group & President, Oscar Mayer, was elected to the chairmanship for 2012-2013. Meriggioli has been president of Oscar Mayer since 2008. Before that he was vice president of marketing and strategy for the brand.

Greg Benedict, president and COO, American Foods Group LLC will serve as the new vice chairman. Benedict brings more than 30 years of experience to the position. He began his career in 1980 with Rosen’s Diversified Inc. In 2005, Rosen’s Diversified LLC merged its meat processing companies with American Foods Group Inc. to create American Foods Group LLC.

Gary Jacobson, chief operating officer of Indiana Packers was elected Treasurer. Jacobson joined Indiana Packers in 1993 as plant manager and has served as vice president of operations and executive vice president. Jacobson held positions with Dubuque Packing Company/FDL Foods and Armour & Company before joining Indiana Packers.

David McDonald, president of OSI Group, LLC is a new incoming officer and will serve as secretary. McDonald has had various roles at OSI Group, where he started as an intern 25 years ago.

Larry Odom, former chairman, president and CEO of Odom’s Tennessee Pride Sausage Inc. is the immediate past chairman. Odom worked in various positions for Odom’s Tennessee Pride Sausage, Inc. for 36 years.

J. Patrick Boyle was re-elected by the AMI membership to serve a 24th term as AMI’s president and CEO.

Five new directors were elected to the AMI Board of Directors to serve three-year terms. The new members include:

• William Fielding, CEO, HeartBrand Beef, Inc.
• Craig Hess, President, Speco, Inc.
• Tom Kittle, President, Handtmann
• James Renda, Executive Vice President and COO, Multisorb Technologies
• Harlan Vande Zandschulp, President, Gleeson Construction and Engineers

Also joining AMI’s Executive Committee is Jeff Eastman, CEO, Alchemy Systems; Warren Panico, president and COO, Bar-S Foods Co.; and William Toler, president and CEO, AdvancePierre Foods.