Jump In and Enjoy the Ride!

By Les Mathers, ASA President

 

I have been fortunate to be a member of many boards and participate in the governance of many organizations both small and large. Some have been privately held, some publicly owned, some for profit, others not for profit. They have been C corps, LLCs, S corps, limited partnerships, 501 c3s and others. Some have been in health care, some financial institutions, some in agriculture, some in real estate. None of the organizations have more people with more passion than ASA members and staff.

I have long known many of the Shorthorn breeders and have been able to get to know many more in the USA and throughout the world. Many have some differences in their personal goals of their programs, but all support the wonderful breed in their own way. How often can one travel thousands of miles across oceans and continents and be able to introduce your children to people who have known you and your family for four generations through Shorthorn cattle?

Being a board member and taking on a key governance role is not for everyone. Broad dedication to the advancement of a variety of ASA goals is necessary. We need continued focus on the service to our members and improvement of the breed and its relevance in the beef industry. Board members need to give the time and focus as may be needed to govern and give our ASA executive and staff clear priorities.

Skills and knowledge about governance, business development,  finance, strategic planning, marketing, and legal issues are needed. Being chosen to be a board member for the ASA is a great honor and top candidates are needed to provide leadership and continuity. We must preserve the many great assests and continue to put ourselves in a good position to go forward.

 

If you or someone you know can provide the passion as well as the skill and knowledge then jump in, or push them to consider running for the board.


Interested in running for the ASA Board of Directors at the 2013 Annual Meeting in Denver? Please submit your intent to run along with a write-up of yourself and photo to the ASA by November 1, 2013. All candidates will have their write-up and photo published in the December issue of the Shorthorn Country.
View the By-Laws of the ASA for complete protocol of election to the board of directors - click here.