Rob Mitchell has joined Computerway Food Systems as help desk officer. He provides technical support to customers, assists in testing and development of Computerway products, and helps with on-site installations. Mitchell has eight years of experience in information technology.

The American Meat Institute has elected its 2005-2006 officers. Robert “Bo” Manley, president and chief operating officer of Premium Standard Farms, will serve as chairman. Richard Bond, president and chief operating officer of Tyson Foods, is vice chairman. David Miniat, president of Ed Miniat Inc., is treasurer. Rod Brenneman, president and chief executive of Seaboard Foods, is secretary. Bill Buckner, corporate vice president of Cargill Inc. and chief executive officer of Cargill Meat Solutions becomes immediate past chairman. J. Patrick Boyle was re-elected by the AMI membership to serve a 17th year as AMI president and CEO.

Don Jackson, president of the poultry division of Foster Farms, Livingston, CA, has been named chairman of the National Chicken Council. Mark Hickman, president and chief executive officer of Peco Foods, Tuscaloosa, AL, took office as vice chairman, and Mike Welch, president and chief executive officer of Harrison Poultry, Bethlehem, GA, became secretary-treasurer. Officers in the NCC serve one-year terms.

U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns has appointed James Link to be administrator of USDA’s Grain Inspection, Packers, and Stockyards Administration. Link was previously director of Texas Christian University’s ranch management program, and he is also the owner of Link Cattle Co., Crowley, TX. He also has worked extensively with the National Cattleman’s Beef Association, including as a member of the Beef Safety Committee.