Westminster, Colo. – Kelli Retallick has served as the data services coordinator for the American Gelbvieh Association (AGA) for more than a year and has recently accepted the position of director of member programs. In her time at the AGA, Retallick has proved to be capable of outstanding leadership among staff, dedication to the AGA and skill in developing association programs.
Recently the AGA has changed the structure of the staff to better accommodate member programs for both the AGA and the American Gelbvieh Junior Association (AGJA). Retallick’s role as director of member programs will encompass beneficial programs for the AGA as well as the AGJA. Her responsibilities include accuracy of the online registry, administering the Smart Select Service, development of new programs and coordinating junior activities to name only a few.
Retallick earned her bachelor’s degree in animal science at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She then went on to Kansas State University to complete her master’s degree in animal breeding and genetics. This background makes her a perfect fit to continue to develop programs for AGA members and customers as it pertains to database service and breed improvement as well as the AGA’s new Smart Select Service.
Growing up, Retallick was involved in her family’s registered cattle operation and when time allows she continues to be involved as much as possible. Retallick also served on the National Junior Angus Association Board of Directors and brings a unique perspective to the AGJA through that experience of serving on a junior board.
“I am really excited about taking on this new adventure,” says Retallick. “I strongly believe that junior livestock associations can foster some of the best leaders in the industry. I hope I am able to foster that type of environment to build the next generation of leaders in the business.”
The Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) recognized the skill set Retallick possesses. During the 2015 BIF Research Symposium and Convention in Biloxi, Mississippi, Retallick was asked to lend her expertise as a speaker on the topic of measuring feed efficiency. BIF also recognized the new Smart Select Service that the AGA now offers commercial cattlemen and women; Retallick was instrumental in the development of that program.
“The AGA sources the most skilled talent in the industry to serve on the staff. Kelli is an example of those talented individuals the AGA seeks out and finds to work as a team for the improvement of the AGA,” says Myron G. Edelman, executive director of the AGA. “Kelli will be an excellent resource for both our adult as well as the junior members.”
Retallick assumed her new role on January12, 2016. She can be reached at the AGA office at 303-465-2333 or via email at kellir@gelbvieh.org.
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