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

I have been an active member of AMSA since 1985.  I have seen many changes and challenges occur during my membership.  I have served on many committees including the membership and outreach committee in its many forms, scientific information and education committee serving as reviewer and organizer of white papers as well as contributing ideas for RMC reciprocation sessions.  I have also served as the committee chair for the membership and outreach committee.  I have been a member long enough to be able to say I tried to start the student board before it was successful.  As a graduate student I was one of five graduate students that approached the board to allow students to become more active in the AMSA.  This was not successful but laid the groundwork for the current very successful student board.  As a senior member of a small department, I work heavily with many groups to improve outreach, education, and student success.  Working with producers, processors, regulatory and public in outreach, teaching and research allows me a unique perspective of the industry and its many challenges.  My desire to see others be successful and the different perspectives I have, I believe I can be an effective leader of AMSA.

What is your vision for AMSA in ten years?

The increase in student membership is impressive.  We need to develop new ways to retain this membership so we can continue to grow.  To do this there needs to be value in the membership they have.  Continued training and mentorship are important parts of this.  The addition of outreach to small processors through the USDA grant increases the reach of the premier meat science association.  I would like to find a way to continue the support of small processors either through grants or other funding opportunities. I see AMSA increasing its reach in the meat science community into the industry that we all wish to support.  This can be through the research we all do but also improving the dissemination of this important research to industry and consumers.  I see AMSA in 10 years as a thriving group of passionate individuals that wish to support other meat scientists and the meat industry.