Describe how your background and qualifications would help you be an effective leader for AMSA

I began my journey with AMSA as a student and the organization has continued to help me grow in my career as a professional member. I have seen many changes throughout the years as AMSA has grown and expanded. As a Product Manager overseeing equipment that is manufactured and installed across the globe, I have a unique perspective on how to balance customer needs/wants while meeting growth and production models internally. I continually work with customers across various sectors of the industry in varying business units. This experience has honed my negotiation skills and taught me to lead with expertise, science, and data - all while placing the customer at center stage. Compromise goes a long way when it comes to growth and change. It is the responsibility of the Board of Directors to guide the organization forward without losing site of the core values and components of AMSA.  At AMSA we have two customers, it’s members and the meat industry. As a board member I will work to meet the needs of both and assist AMSA on its growth trajectory into the future. This will require forward and out of the box thinking to strengthen the foundation of the organization while growing organically through retention of students into professional members.

What is your vision for AMSA in ten years.

I see AMSA continuing to grow over the next decade in three main ways. First, by increasing member retention and relaying a concise message to the industry of who we are and what we do, AMSA will continue to expand its horizons. Second, though outside/industry growth as we have seen with the latest supplier coalition. As momentum gains traction throughout the industry I foresee industry ties continue to strengthen. As the organization continues its growth trajectory, I envision an expanded opportunity for academia and industry to collaborate though education and research. Third, as new members emerge, I expect the student side of AMSA growing further into the community college and high school arenas expanding the overall reach through judging, education, and interest in the meat industry.  These three attributes will not only help sustain the organization at large but ensure AMSA has a bright future while continuing to support our long standing members as new industry leaders emerge.