Featured Speaker

Dave McKenna is the Director of Product at Marble Technologies, where he shapes strategic priorities and defines project requirements. With over 25 years in the red meat industry, Dave excels at integrating meat science, process optimization, and cutting-edge technologies to drive value. Previously, as Chief Product Officer at AI-startup Lumachain, Dave led teams in developing and deploying AI solutions for the global protein industry. He also served as Director of Meat Research at Tyson Fresh Meats, spearheading initiatives in yield improvement, grading systems, and technology-driven process enhancements. Earlier, as a Senior Food Scientist at Cargill Meat Solutions, he focused on lean manufacturing, automation, and value creation for their Fresh Beef division. Originally from Garrison, IA, Dave earned his B.S. and M.S. in Animal Science from Iowa State University and a Ph.D. in Meat Science from Texas A&M University. He resides in Sioux City, IA, with his wife, Dee, and are proud parents of three daughters.