The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) is pleased to announce the addition of Gregory Conner as its senior manager of multilateral affairs and market access. In this position, Conner will play a key role in advancing AFIA’s global market access, trade policy and regulatory initiatives, along with communicating to policymakers about these initiatives, representing the 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.”
Hailing from Bellingham, Wash., Conner holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science and international relations from Western Washington University. Prior to joining the AFIA, Conner taught English language classes in Gevgelija, North Macedonia as part of the Peace Corps. Most recently, Conner worked as an international program specialist for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, where he managed and administered the Cochran and Borlaug Fellowship Programs across 14 Southeast Asian and African countries – working with an average of 35 fellows annually – while ensuring implementer compliance with the USDA’s Notice of Funding Opportunities, monitoring budgets for 12-14 grant awards each year and delivering all programs within agreed budget limits.
In addition to Conner joining the global affairs team, Mallory Gaines has been promoted to director of global affairs and Ivy Torres to manager of global programs.
Gaines has been with the AFIA since June 2019, leading the organization’s international policy strategy and representing members at global meetings and United Nations events. In this role, Gaines serves as the staff lead for AFIA’s Global Affairs Committee and works to expand demand for U.S. animal food products both domestically and abroad.
Torres has been with the AFIA since 2023, serving as the manager of global programs. In this role, she supports international market access and development initiatives, implements the association’s global policy goals and supports the Global Affairs Committee.
“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,” said Leah Wilkinson, AFIA’s vice president of public policy and education. “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.”
