National Turkey Federation Announces New Staff Appointments

July 2, 2024

2 minutes reading

The National Turkey Federation (NTF) announced the appointment of Dale Nellor as Senior Vice President of Government Affairs and Taya Machado as Chief Marketing Officer.

Nellor brings more than 20 years of Washington public policy experience to the NTF team and will succeed Leslee Oden, who officially began her new role as president and CEO on July 1. Machado recently graduated from Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas, and will lead NTF’s marketing efforts. These appointments follow the retirement of Joel Brandenberger, who served 33 years at NTF, including 17 as president and CEO.

A native of Nebraska, Nellor most recently served as executive vice president of the National Water Resources Association. He previously served as counsel to Senator Chuck Hagel of Nebraska, managed legislative affairs efforts for USDA’s rural development mission, and led government affairs teams for the American Meat Institute and the North American Millers’ Association. Nellor grew up on a diversified row crop and livestock operation in northeast Nebraska and remains active on the operation today. He graduated from Concordia University of Wisconsin in 2001 with a bachelor’s degree in business management. He currently lives in Annandale, Virginia, with his wife Dianne and their two sons.

With a strong background in barbecue and culinary culture, Machado has supported the marketing efforts of several barbecue festivals and competitions across the country by capturing digital content and developing strategies for the marketing needs of award-winning pit masters and competitive barbecue teams. She recently earned her Bachelor of Arts in Digital Media Innovation from Texas State University, which gave her a solid foundation in marketing and social principles and allowed her to further her passion for digital marketing and creative strategy. Machado hails from a small town in central Texas called Seguin and now resides in Austin, Texas.