Dr. KatieRose McCullough Named President and Chief Scientist of the Meat Foundation

ARLINGTON, VA — The Meat Foundation announced that Dr. KatieRose McCullough, PhD, MPH, will serve as the president and chief scientist of the Meat Foundation, marking the next phase in the organization’s ongoing evolution.

“Dr. McCullough brings an extraordinary passion for and embodiment of the Meat Foundation’s mission, vision, and values,” said Susan Backus, former president of the Meat Foundation. “Her intelligence, background, and leadership qualities make her well-equipped to lead the Foundation through its next chapter, advancing research and supporting the next generation of food and agriculture leaders.”

Dr. McCullough previously served as chief scientist for the Meat Foundation and will continue to serve as senior director for science and public health at the Meat Institute. A longtime champion of the Foundation’s mission, she has worked with the Foundation for years to advance initiatives that support student scholarships and fund critical research in food safety, animal welfare, nutrition, worker safety and environmental sustainability.

Dr. McCullough will succeed Backus, who led the Meat Foundation through a successful strategic transformation over the past several years as president, bringing its research and scholarship initiatives together under the leadership of a newly energized Board of Directors. In total, she served the Foundation for 27 years in various roles.

Backus will shift focus to her role as vice president of regulatory and scientific affairs for the Meat Institute, where she will continue to lead the Institute’s health and nutrition advocacy, which has been increasingly critical for the industry as consumers and legislators highlight the importance of human health and nutrition. Backus will also continue serving as executive secretary of the Shelf-Stable Food Processors Association.

“Susan has successfully guided the Meat Foundation through an important strategic evolution over the years,” said Kirby Childs, Ph.D., Chairman of the Foundation Board. “Her leadership has strengthened the Foundation’s mission and positioned it for continued success — her impact cannot be understated. We are equally excited for Dr. McCullough to step into this role; her vision and leadership will propel the Foundation into its next chapter with energy and purpose.”

The Meat Foundation and Meat Institute express their appreciation to both leaders for their continued dedication and for taking on expanded responsibilities in support of the industry and its stakeholders.

About the Meat Foundation

The Meat Foundation is a 501 C3 non-profit organization dedicated to research, education, and scholarship. Our mission is to advance scientific understanding, cultivate future leaders, and support continuous improvement in the meat industry. In 2024, the Foundation for Meat and Poultry Research and Education (FMPRE) and the NAMI Scholarship Foundation merged under the new name, Meat Foundation. The joining of these two foundations marks a significant step towards our goal of continuous improvement across research, education, and scholarships. In addition to applied research and professional development programming, the Foundation awards merit-based scholarships annually to accomplished students pursuing education that will lead to a career in the meat industry.