AMSA Development Council
Mission and Goals
Our values are the same as our membership's: to make a real difference through high integrity meat science. Established in 2001 by the AMSA membership, the council's mission is to generate and allocate resources to support and enhance educational programs and the acquisition and dissemination of knowledge in meat science. AMSA members desire to make it possible for the world to enjoy safe, affordable, abundant, nutritious meat that improves health and longevity and productivity. To help create this future, the AMSA Development Council has the vision to fund new and ongoing AMSA programs that recruit and develop students and young professionals and strengthen careers that help feed the world.
The Work of the Council
- Develop and implement strategies through which the Council may solicit, receive and distribute contributions.
- Allocate resources consistent with legal and regulatory requirements, the wishes of the donor, and the goals and objectives of AMSA.
- Ensure prudent investment of contributions made to the Council.
- Develop and maintain procedures for donor recognition.
Council Members
AMSA Mentorship Funds
Gretchen Mafi, Ph.D., Candidate for Mentor Recognition
AMSA is proud to announce the formation of a Mentor Recognition fund in honor of Dr. Gretchen Mafi
Gretchen Mafi is a Professor and the Ralph & Leila Boulware Endowed Chair in the Department of Animal and Food Sciences at Oklahoma State University, where she conducts research and teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in meat science. Gretchen earned her bachelor's degree in 1994, from Texas Tech University, a Master of Science degree in 1996, from Colorado State University, and a Ph.D. in Animal Science with emphasis in meat science in 2000, from Texas Tech.
Gretchen teaches three to five meat science courses each semester at OSU, along with her advising and research responsibilities. She conducts research in the area of meat cutability and quality, with over 80 published articles in scientific journals. Also, Gretchen coaches the Oklahoma State Meat Judging Team. She was a recipient of the American Meat Science Association Signal Service Award making her a Fellow of the organization in 2021. Gretchen received the USDA Excellence in Teaching Award in 2020, as well the American Meat Science Association Distinguished Teaching Award in 2019.
Gretchen has been instrumental in the growth and success of the AMSA. She has served in numerous capacities on committees, the Board of Directors and most notably as President of the organization. She has provided tremendous leadership around Meat Judging and is passionate about student growth and development in the organization preparing them to be future leaders in our industry. She is an extremely worthy candidate for this honor.
Gretchen and her husband, Jeff Mafi reside on their farm in Coyle, OK, raising purebred Angus Cattle.
Specific Purpose of Funds: The funds from this mentorship will go toward supporting recognition of Meat Judging Programs.