It is with a heavy heart that we share the news that AMSA's first Executive Director, long-time Secretary-Treasurer, Board member, and avid ice cream lover, Ken Johnson has passed away. Ken will always be AMSA's guardian angel. Serving 23 years as Secretary-Treasurer, he gave guidance to many Executive Boards. In countless ways, Ken has worked to promote AMSA as an impartial, science-based organization that is worthy of international respect in academia, industry, and government. He was a key leader during AMSA's transition to autonomy as the NLSMB dissolved in 1996, and he became AMSA's first Executive Director to help the organization gain sure footing and even prosper amid dramatic change.

 
His appreciation for the tradition of the meat industry led him to become the icon he was, mostly behind the scenes. Ken was a great at understanding, where we have been, where we are now, and where we need to go in the future. Every time we step up to the meat counter, consult a meat recipe, and in every step from fabrication to your fridge, his innovations have brought us safer and easier-to-use retail meat. His work also showed retailers how to make wiser inventory and pricing decisions to reduce waste and give consumers more value for their money.
 
Ken recently shared his history with us in the first Meat Science Legends webinar. He will be greatly missed and will publish his obituary and arrangements when available.