Butterball promotes Dr Alice Johnson to SVP

US turkey producer, Butterball, has announced the promotion of Dr. Alice Johnson to senior vice president of food safety, animal care and government relations.

In her new role, Dr. Johnson will continue to manage the company’s food safety and quality programs. She also will continue to enhance the company’s animal care and well-being program as well as serve as the Butterball liaison on Capitol Hill.

Dr. Johnson leverages more than 20 years of experience in the poultry industry and is the driving force behind Butterball’s success in becoming the first turkey processor in the nation to become fully certified by the American Humane Association (AHA). In addition to managing the company’s ongoing relationship with the AHA, Dr. Johnson founded and leads Butterball’s independent Animal Care and Well-Being Advisory Council, which is comprised of some of the world’s most prominent animal care experts. Under Dr. Johnson’s direction, they provide guidance, insight and expertise that will further shape and strengthen Butterball’s science-based animal care and well-being program into the future.

Dr. Johnson joined Butterball in 2006 as vice president of food safety, government regulatory and public relations where she worked alongside federal and state regulatory agencies to implement and manage compliance with government regulations throughout the company. In 2011, as Butterball integrated live turkey operations into its business model, Dr. Johnson gained added responsibility for animal care and well-being in addition to her existing duties. Prior to joining Butterball, Dr. Johnson served as president and CEO of the National Turkey Federation. She also has held multiple leadership positions with the National Food Processors Association, the American Meat Institute and USDA. Dr. Johnson earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Pfeiffer College and a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Tuskegee Institute.