The 8th Annual Feather in Her Cap Award from the Feather in Her Cap Association was awarded to Laurie Hueneke Martens, associate vice president, Global Public Policy and Government Relations for Merck Animal Health. Hueneke was recognized for her significant contribution and achievements to the animal health and agriculture industries through her leadership in public policy, including mentoring and developing future women leaders, according to a statement released by Merck Animal Health.
“Laurie’s dedication to advancing innovation while working to develop the next generation of female talent makes her an extraordinary leader,” said Rick DeLuca, president, Merck Animal Health. “She emulates the attributes that a recipient of the Feather in Her Cap award should have — a genuine commitment to the animals she serves, excitement for her work to advance animal health and well-being and an unwavering dedication to the betterment of the animal health industry.”
Hueneke Martens has helped shaped international trade policies, advocated for science-based decision-making, and led industry coalitions to remove barriers that hinder innovation, the release said. She has collaborated across the animal health industry and with legislative and regulatory policymakers, reinforcing that her professional role ensuring a connection among scientists and consumers who care for animals.
She was recently appointed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Trade Representative to serve on the Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee for trade in animals and animal products. She also serves as the Chair of the International Trade and Standards Committee for the Animal Health Institute and served as Chair of the Leadership Team for both HealthforAnimals and Animal Health Institute for many years.
Hueneke Martens led the development of the global animal health industry’s Principles of Trade, aligning them with World Trade Organization’s standards and ensuring that the industry remained competitive, and science driven. She also led the industry’s response to the U.N. Food Systems Summit through HealthforAnimals, advocating for policies that are fit-for-purpose and tailored to the realities of Animal Health. One of her most impactful initiatives was leading a global coalition to ensure the Codex Alimentarius Commission upheld its science-based decisions, a victory that preserved the integrity of global trade standards.
Hueneke Martens also has supported mentorship of young women professionals during her career. She serves as a role model and advocate for the company’s Women’s Network, which creates opportunities for women to advance in the animal health industry through internship and co-op programs. She provides guidance and career advice to the College of Agriculture at Iowa State University, Sigma Alpha agriculture sorority and her local 4-H chapter. She has partnered with the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture Foundation to support their Next Generation and Agriculture Policy Summit future talent development programs, designed to encourage students to interact with their respective state departments of agriculture and learn about policy advocacy and consensus building.
“As a sixth-generation farmer, my perspective of food and agriculture is anchored in a holistic lens,” Hueneke Martens says. “I’m a strong advocate for rules-based trade policy with science-based decision-making at both the national and global levels. I believe that science and innovation are the “great levelers and drivers” of inclusiveness and resilience in our industry.”
She graduated with two B.S. degrees in Animal Science and International Agriculture from Iowa State University and a M.S. degree in International Trade and Development from Oklahoma State University.
As part of the award, the Feather in Her Cap Association donated a $5,000 gift to selected animal-related charities, which Hueneke Martens split evenly between the Jackson County Iowa Humane Society and the Bellevue Iowa FFA Chapter.
