Two Butterball Employees Recognized at 2026 Industry Conference
February 10, 2026 | 3 min to read
GARNER, N.C. – Two Butterball, LLC team members were honored for their leadership, innovation and early-career accomplishments in the meat and poultry industry at the International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE) in Atlanta last month. Ashley Brodnick, sustainability coordinator, and Maddie Hart, food safety and animal care and well-being specialist, were selected to participate in IPPE’s Young Leaders Under 30 Program, which celebrates rising professionals making meaningful contributions to the poultry, meat and animal food sectors.
The program recognizes individuals between the ages of 21 and 29 working for companies directly involved in these sectors. Its goal is to invest in the next generation of industry leaders and provide opportunities for them to expand their technical knowledge and industry network.
Brodnick joined Butterball in 2023 and plays a central role in developing and implementing sustainability initiatives across the company’s processing facilities and feed mills. Her work spans greenhouse gas emissions reduction, water conservation, waste minimization, packaging innovation and corporate sustainability reporting. She also leads the creation of Butterball’s Corporate Social Responsibility Report’s Plant section and oversees compliance with federal and state environmental regulations across 10 facilities. Brodnick holds a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies from New York University and a Master of Arts in Sustainability from Wake Forest University. She earned her Sustainability Excellence Associate credential from Green Business Certification Inc. in 2025.
Hart has been with Butterball since 2023 and focuses on humane handling, biosecurity, export audits and health monitoring across company flocks. She supports the advancement of Butterball’s animal care and well-being programs through ongoing training, auditing and program development. Prior to joining Butterball, Hart served as a barn manager at MacNair’s Country Acres in Raleigh and worked as a veterinary technician for an equine practice. Hart is a graduate of NC State University with a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science and is Professional Animal Auditor Certification Organization certified.
“Ashley and Maddie are excellent examples of the passion, expertise and leadership mindset that will shape the future of our industry,” said Jay Jandrain, president and CEO of Butterball. “We are proud of their achievements and look forward to the impact they will continue to have on our teams and the industry as a whole.”
About Butterball
Butterball, LLC, headquartered in Garner, North Carolina, is the most recognized and loved* turkey brand in the U.S. Bringing people together over wholesome homemade meals for more than 70 years, the company provides retail and foodservice products to customers in more than 30 countries. Butterball is committed to being an industry leader in quality, food safety and animal care and well-being, and was the first major turkey company to voluntarily achieve certification through American Humane Society. The company employs nearly 7,100 team members who work in production facilities, live operations and offices across Arkansas, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri and North Carolina. For consumer questions or information, visit Butterball.com or call the Butterball® Turkey Talk-Line®, 1-800-BUTTERBALL (1-800-288-8372).
*Source: Kantar Brand Health Tracking Study December 2025 N=400 National Sample