USMEF Announces New Marketing VP, Regional Representative for Africa

USMEF is pleased to introduce Jesse Austin as the federation's new vice president of marketing. Austin joined USMEF at its Denver headquarters in late October after 17 years in international trade and development with Smithfield Foods, which included serving as general manager of Smithfield's Tokyo office. He is a graduate of Virginia Tech University, where he earned a master's degree in animal science.

Matt Copeland also joined USMEF in October, becoming its first regional representative in Africa. Based in Durban, South Africa, Copeland most recently worked as Interra International's sales manager for both Sub-Saharan and southern Africa and has extensive experience in business development and global commodity trading. He graduated from the University of South Africa, majoring in economics and marketing.

"Jesse and Matt are outstanding additions to the USMEF staff, bringing a wealth of experience in international meat trade," said USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom. "When we are able to bring top people on board who can hit the ground running, USMEF members see the benefits immediately, and that's certainly the case here. We're excited to have Jesse working with our marketing staff in all regions, many of whom have been with USMEF for decades. And Matt will be a terrific resource in Africa, where new opportunities are rapidly emerging and USMEF needs a 'boots on the ground' presence."

Both Austin and Copeland will be participating in the USMEF Strategic Planning Conference in Tucson, Nov. 6-8.