Michigan Allied Poultry Industries (MAPI) has been one of Yellow Lime’s OG clients. We've been teaming up with this incredible group since 2017—back before Yellow Lime was officially Yellow Lime. Over the years, we’ve had the pleasure of working with two powerhouse women who’ve led the organization.
First, there was Allison Brink (check out our highlight on her from her Executive Director days). In late 2022, we got the bittersweet news that Allison was moving on to focus on her own consulting biz (side note: we loved helping her build her adorable website and brand!). While we were thrilled for her, there was a little nervous buzz about how her replacement would vibe with our processes and, well, with us.
Enter Dr. Nancy Barr. Spoiler alert: She’s amazing. From day one, Nancy’s been a natural fit—an expert at connecting people and solving problems. Nancy is the current Executive Director at MAPI, but the story of how she got there is anything but traditional. Nancy’s journey is a testament to embracing curiosity, building relationships, and embracing life’s pivots.
From Honeybees to Hyenas
Growing up in the Michigan countryside, Nancy was always surrounded by animals—whether it was her horse across the street or a litter of puppies at her grandparents' house. "I was the kid you couldn’t find because I was always with the animals," she says with a laugh.
Nancy on her horse "Oakie Wagon" with her brother (about 1978)
Nancy at their cottage in Northport with her dog "Ralph Jarvis" (about 1976)
Nancy studied Zoology at Michigan State University, focusing on animal behavior. She even researched memory in honeybees before jetting off to Kenya for a year to study hyenas. That adventure cemented her love for animal health and led her straight to vet school.
Nancy at the Masai Mara, Kenya while doing her hyena research (about 1992)
After completing her doctorate in veterinary medicine, Nancy worked in Spring Lake, Michigan as a veterinarian. Before they welcomed their daughter, Nancy, and her husband packed up and moved to the east side of Michigan—a move that began her pivot into public service.
From State Veterinarian to Poultry Advocate
Nancy spent 23 years at the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), managing pretty much every department at some point. Her time there gave her a deep respect for the poultry industry. “They were always doing the right things—proactively focusing on biosecurity and hen welfare,” she says. “I developed a soft spot for the industry because of the integrity of its people.”
When the opportunity to lead MAPI came along, Nancy traded her assistant state veterinarian hat for this new adventure. Turns out, the role is the perfect blend of her vet expertise and her love for connecting people.
An Early Bird (Pun Intended)
When she’s not working, Nancy loves reading (currently diving into Olive Kitteridge), tackling puzzles, and surprisingly even to herself, she and her husband have been on a Super Mario kick as of late. She’s an early bird who starts her day with coffee and a touch of cream and believes in unwinding with a good book or picking up a paintbrush.
Advice for the Next Generation
Nancy’s career has been marked by big pivots, and she encourages others to stay open to those moments. “Don’t confine yourself to one role—explore your skills and passions,” she advises.
She’s also a firm believer in the power of relationships. “Respect those who mentor you, but also expect mutual respect in return,” she says. “Treat everyone well—above, below, and beside you. Those relationships will come back to you in ways you never expect.”
Building Bridges at MAPI
Under Nancy’s leadership, MAPI is focused on connecting people—whether it’s linking farmers with consumers, students with agriculture opportunities, or industry colleagues with each other, MAPI is bridging gaps and building understanding.
She’s proud of MAPI’s farmer-owned cooperatives, which provide local, high-quality poultry products. “We’re fortunate in Michigan to have an abundant supply of eggs, chickens, and turkeys—and we want people to know where their food comes from.”
What’s Next for MAPI?
Looking ahead, Nancy is excited about growing MAPI’s public outreach efforts. “One of our most important functions is connecting with the general public and helping them understand the integrity and care that goes into their food,” she says.
She’s also grateful for the dedication of MAPI’s board members, who work tirelessly to support poultry producers across the state. “They have a vision for the future while maintaining our core values, and that’s something I deeply admire.”
Dr. Nancy Barr’s journey is a reminder that embracing life’s twists and turns can lead to fulfilling and unexpected opportunities. At MAPI, she’s bringing her unique perspective to an industry she admires deeply, making an impact that goes far beyond poultry.
