National Turkey Federation Names New Head of Legislative Department

Damon Wells Joins NTF as Vice President of Government Affairs

Washington, DC, February 1, 2011 -

National Turkey Federation (NTF) President Joel Brandenberger announced the appointment today of Damon Wells as NTF’s vice president of government affairs.

“Damon is well-known to NTF’s members from his successful first tour of duty (2007-09) and we look forward to him bringing his same expertise, energy and enthusiasm back to the job,” said Brandenberger. “Wells’ expertise on agricultural issues, both in Congress and as a lobbyist, makes him the right person to lead the federation’s legislative department. As policymakers focus on the nation’s food safety systems, renewable fuels, the environment, animal health policy and other key issues, this appointment will strengthen NTF members’ benefits in Washington.”

As NTF’s vice president of government affairs, Wells will oversee and implement all aspects of the federation’s legislative affairs program, from policy formulation and development to advocacy on Capitol Hill, in a manner that helps ensure the turkey industry’s ability to profitably produce high-quality, nutritious products.

Wells returns to NTF after spending a year as professional staff on the Senate Agriculture Committee. He previously had joined NTF in February 2007 as director of legislative affairs. Wells has also held legislative staff positions for Reps. Chet Edwards, D-Texas, and Rosa DeLauro, D-Conn., where he provided advice on agriculture and natural resource issues. 

Wells holds a B.S. in animal science from Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas, and a master’s degree in agriculture education from Texas Tech University in Lubbock.