The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) has made key changes to its global affairs team, appointing Gregory Conner as senior manager of multilateral affairs and market access, and promoting Mallory Gaines to director of global affairs and Ivy Torres to manager of global programs. These personnel moves are intended to advance AFIA’s global market access, trade policy and regulatory initiatives.
Gregory Conner will focus on advancing AFIA’s global market access, trade policy, and regulatory efforts. His responsibilities include communicating with policymakers, representing AFIA in trade discussions, and advocating for science-based regulations to reduce non-tariff barriers. “The global affairs team and the entire AFIA organization are thrilled to welcome Greg Conner to our team,” said Mallory Gaines, AFIA’s director of global affairs. “Greg’s deep experience in international development and trade policy, along with his proven leadership in managing global fellowship programs, make him an invaluable addition as the AFIA continues to expand global market access for the U.S. animal food industry. We’re excited for the expertise and fresh perspective he brings to our multilateral affairs and market access initiatives.” Conner, from Bellingham, Wash., holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science and international relations from Western Washington University. Before joining AFIA, he taught English in North Macedonia with the Peace Corps. Most recently, Conner was an international program specialist for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, where he managed the Cochran and Borlaug Fellowship Programs across 14 Southeast Asian and African countries, overseeing an average of 35 fellows annually and managing budgets for multiple grant awards.
Mallory Gaines, who has been promoted to director of global affairs, has been with AFIA since June 2019. In her expanded role, she will continue to lead the organization’s international policy strategy, represent members at global meetings and United Nations events, and serve as the staff lead for AFIA’s Global Affairs Committee. Her work focuses on expanding demand for U.S. animal food products domestically and abroad.
Ivy Torres, now manager of global programs, joined AFIA in 2023. She supports international market access and development initiatives, implements the association’s global policy goals, and provides support to the Global Affairs Committee.
Leah Wilkinson, AFIA’s vice president of public policy and education, commented on the promotions. “Mallory has been an invaluable asset to our global affairs efforts since 2019, demonstrating exceptional leadership and vision in advancing international policy and promoting U.S. animal food products on the world stage to break down trade barriers,” Wilkinson said. “With Ivy’s strong background in global programs and her contributions since joining the AFIA, I’m confident that this team will continue to elevate AFIA’s presence and impact in international markets.”
