During the Annual Members Meeting (AMM) on 26 January, the nominees to the Board of Directors were elected by the membership. The newly elected Board met briefly after the AMM to elect officers and fill two non-voting seats. The composition of the Board is now as follows:
- Faazi Adam (Evonik)
- Hermann-Josef Baaken (DVT)
- Pedro Cordero (FEFAC)
- Sebastian Csaki (IFIF)
- Constance Cullman (AFIA)
- Melissa Dumont (ANAC)
- Lara Moody (TMC Chair)
- David Nickell (DSM)
- Christine Parry (AB Agri) – Vice Chair
- Abby Rinne (USSEC)
- Claus Saabye (DAKOFO)
- Henrik Stenwig (NSF)
- Kent Swisher (NARA) – Treasurer
- Stefaan Van Dyck (Kemin) – Chair
- Derk van Manen (Duynie)
The Nominating Committee noted that the members re-elected for another 2-year term (including the Chair, Vice Chair and Treasurer) will maintain continuity and support progression toward meeting already established goals, while the new members will add value to the discussions and decision making with different perspectives and new ideas.
Welcome to our two new board members:
Claus Saabye Erichsen, Secretary General/Director of the Danish Feed and Grain Association (DAKOFO)
DAKOFO has been a longtime supporter and promoter of GFLI. In addition to active participation in the Technical Management Committee (TMC) and providing data to the database (in collaboration with SEGES Innovation), DAKOFO has been a driving force behind the establishment of PEF and GFLI as national benchmarks in Denmark’s animal-based product chains. At the national level, Claus chairs the Danish Feed Sector Committee on PEF/GFLI, where he leads discussions on PEF and GFLI development and implementation. Claus looks forward to continuing to support GFLI by helping to increase recognition of the database while also strengthening the Institute’s connections to—and integration within—the broader agricultural value chains.
Derk van Manen, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at Duynie
Duynie also has a history of actively supporting GFLI by providing data to the database and participating in the Technical Management Committee (TMC), as well as previously serving on the Board of Directors. Duynie returns to the Board under Derk van Manen’s mandate will ensure the representation of wet co-products. Thanks to Duynie’s extensive experience conducting research, collecting environmental data on the impacts of circularity, and carrying out lifecycle assessment, and due to the geographical spread of the Duynie’s activities in more than 20 European countries, Derk looks forward to making a valuable contribution in the Board of Directors.
This year’s elections also mark the first time the Board has elected the Institute’s Treasurer.
Kent Swisher, President and CEO of the North American Renderers Association (NARA), will serve as GFLI’s Treasurer to support the organization’s continued financial strength and mission-driven growth. In addition to NARA’s active engagement with GFLI by participating in the Technical Management Committee (TMC) and carrying out a data-in project with its members, Kent has served on the GFLI Board for the past two years. This close collaboration with GFLI has given him a clear understanding of the organization’s strengths, challenges, and operational needs. Kent brings extensive financial management experience across multiple associations, all requiring robust fiscal oversight, annual audits, and routine federal compliance reviews. In his capacity as Treasurer, Kent looks forward to providing the Institute with the fiscal and financial management support needed to strengthen the critical role it plays to ensure credible, transparent, and consistent environmental data across the feed and livestock value chain.
Thank you to all our board members for your time, collaboration, and dedication to keeping GFLI moving forward!