This year, the US Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY) recognized five of Aviagen’s up-and-coming professionals.

Kasey Guthrie, Veterinary Services Compliance Manager, and Kate Givhan, QA Manager, received the 2020 USPOULTRY “Young Leader 20 Under 30” award. (The recognition was postponed until this year due to the ongoing COVID pandemic.) And, Clara Goldman, Director of Quality Assurance (QA) and Regulatory; Caitlin Rivord, QA Data Manager; and Anna Lee Garner, QA Coordinator, were chosen this year for the 2022 IPPE Young Leaders Under 30.

Both awards are aimed at fostering leadership qualities in aspiring poultry professionals between the ages of 21 and 29. The goal of these USPOULTRY initiatives is to engage and invest in this up-and-coming generation, providing education to further their knowledge of the poultry industry. Read more about the program here.

“We thank USPOULTRY for celebrating and encouraging our rising professionals at Aviagen,” remarked Marc de Beer, President of Aviagen North America. “Aviagen shares with USPOULTRY a mission to seek out the industry’s most talented people, giving them every opportunity to grow and develop in their chosen fields. We are proud of these young leaders, and wish them all the best for a rewarding career in the exciting world of poultry.”

More on the honorees

Caitlin Rivord serves Aviagen as Quality Assurance Data Manager, where she collects and analyzes hatchery data, resulting in ongoing quality enhancement of Aviagen birds.

“I grew up with parrots and always loved birds. When I went to college and learned more about agriculture, pursuing a career in poultry was a natural choice. The ‘Young Leaders Under 30’ program will enable me to learn more about the industry I love,” she said.

As Director of QA and Regulatory, Clara Goldman works to optimize the quality of eggs and chicks that go to Aviagen customers.

“Winning this award is such an honor, and I am so thankful to my manager for encouraging me to apply. While I always strive to do my best to continually improve our processes, receiving this recognition is a wonderful reminder that hard work does not go unnoticed.”

Anna Lee Garner works as Quality Assurance Coordinator at Aviagen’s Parent Stock hatchery in Quitman, Ga. She is responsible for health, welfare and biosecurity monitoring, along with data collection -- all to ensure that customers receive the highest-quality chicks possible.

“I look forward to participating in this program, which will enable me to enrich my knowledge and strengthen my contribution to my job and my industry. I am grateful to USPOULTRY for this opportunity,” she commented.

Kasey Guthrie works hard to safeguard animal welfare and biosecurity through auditing, training, and collaborating with Aviagen production teams, to assure customer expectations are met and that they receive the best quality chicks.

She says she embraces the award from USPOULTRY as an opportunity to become a better leader. “To me, a good leader is open minded, innovative and passionate about what they do.” She encourages others with ambition in poultry leadership to, “get comfortable being uncomfortable, because stepping out of your comfort zones enables you to grow and learn.”

Kate Givhan manages all Quality Assurance Coordinators throughout Aviagen North America’s hatcheries, working with them and hatchery management to strengthen the quality, health and welfare of the birds received by Aviagen customers.

“A big thank-you to USPOULTRY for choosing me and helping me to further my leadership journey,” she added.

For more information, please visit Aviagen.com, or follow Aviagen on LinkedIn.