Our Team
Megan Slater
Executive Director
Megan Slater is originally from Colorado, and is the executive director. In her role at the association, Megan is responsible for organizing and coordinating administrative duties and office procedures and works closely with the board of directors to successfully guide the association into the future. She also assists with developing and maintaining the Gelbvieh message through marketing team efforts and membership communication. Each year, Megan is the lead planner for the AGA’s national convention, which brings together AGA members to conduct association business and connect with other segments of the beef industry through the Cattlemen’s Profit Roundup educational symposium. Megan is a graduate of Colorado State University where she obtained a bachelor’s degree in animal science and minor in business administration. Upon graduation, Megan began with the AGA as the Gelbvieh Media Productions intern, which eventually lead into a full-time position and advancement within the organization.
megans@gelbvieh.org
303-465-2333, Ext 485
Tom Strahm
Commercial Marketing Director
Tom is native of Sabetha, Kansas where he currently resides with his wife, Carrie, and three children, Payton, Elliott, and Vivian. Tom is a graduate of Kansas State University and has a wealth of beef industry experience, having spent time in several sectors of the industry including cattle procurement for Laura’s Lean Beef Company and cattle sales through his time with United Producers, Inc. Tom also has experience in the cow-calf sector having worked as herdsman on both commercial and seedstock cattle operations. In addition, Strahm also has experience in lending and finance after working as a loan officer for several years. In his role as commercial marketing director, Tom will work toward creating feeder calf and commercial female marketing avenues for Gelbvieh and Balancer genetics while serving cow-calf producers and the entire beef industry. Tom will also work with members to assist them in building Gelbvieh and Balancer bull demand.
tom@gelbvieh.org
303-465-2333, Ext 472
Lindsay Upperman
Performance Programs Coordinator
Malerie Strahm
Multimedia Coordinator
Strahm grew up and currently resides in Sabetha, Kansas. During her youth, she was actively involved in 4-H, which developed an interest in animal agriculture and the beef industry. Strahm graduated from Kansas State University in 2016 with a bachelor's degree in agricultural communications and journalism, as well as a minor in agribusiness. She then began her professional career at KSi Conveyors, Inc., a leading manufacturer of conveyors and seed handling equipment, as the marketing coordinator. In her role as multimedia coordinator, Strahm will manage and develop AGA social media strategies and contribute to AGA publications and the marketing team. Her skills in photography, film production, and design will be valuable assets brought to the AGA marketing team for the promotion of Gelbvieh and Balancer® genetics throughout the beef industry.
malerie@gelbvieh.org
303-465-2333, Ext. 478
Jake Renner
Member and Youth Activities Coordinator
Jake Renner grew up in the rural community of Pratt, Kansas, where he was involved in 4-H and spent a large majority of his time focusing on livestock projects. In 2013 he graduated from Fort Hays State University where he studied animal science and competed on the livestock judging team. In 2020, he graduated from Kansas State University with a master's degree in agricultural education and communication focusing on building consumer confidence in the US beef industry through education and communication. From 2014-2019 he served as a county agent for K-State Research and Extension (KSRE) in Kingman County covering agriculture and natural resources as well as a 4-H and youth development. In his role as member and youth activities coordinator, he guides the American Gelbvieh Junior Association (AGJA) and helps to develop the next generation of leaders in the beef industry. Renner is also tasked with enriching the membership experience for AGA members.
jake@gelbvieh.org
303-465-2333, Ext. 483
Laura Handke
Editorial Contractor
Handke, her husband and eight-year-old daughter, Audrey, live in Easton, Kansas and run a small herd of commercial cattle. Handke holds both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in agriculture science from Northwest Missouri State University and has been professionally involved in agriculture communications for the past decade, working on education initiatives and content for crop and animal health companies and associations. In her role, Handke helps to create and coordinate content for Gelbvieh World and The Profit Picture publications as well as other AGA communications efforts.
laura@gelbvieh.org
303-465-2333
Barb Standage
Office Operations Coordinator
Standage is a native Nebraskan, residing close to her family's farm near Eagle. The farm is a combined row crops and cow-calf operation with the original homestead remaining in the family. Barb and her husband, Doug, manage the commercial cow-calf operation as well as brome, prairie, and alfalfa hay crops. With a career starting in the hospitality field, Standage focused mainly on accounting and then expanded into human resources, earning her Professional in Human Resources (PHR) designation. In her role as office operations coordinator, Standage will organize and process accounts payable and accounts receivable, assist members and AGA stakeholders on the AGA online registry, including data input and DNA test ordering, and assist the executive director in administrative tasks. Her experience in office administration is a complementary fit to the AGA staff and is valuable in serving Gelbvieh and Balancer® stakeholders in today's modern beef industry.
barb@gelbvieh.org
303-465-2333 Ext. 481