Strategic Planning Conference Concludes with Election of New USMEF Officers

Leann Saunders presents Mark Jagels with a ceremonial gavel

USMEF concluded its annual Strategic Planning Conference in Arlington, Virginia, Friday with a formal business session that included election of new officers. Leann Saunders of Castle Rock, Colorado, is the new USMEF chair, succeeding Mark Jagels of Davenport, Nebraska.

Saunders is president of IMI Global, Inc., an agricultural verification solutions company, and founder of the Where Food Comes From® food labeling program. Prior to joining IMI, Leann worked for PM Beef Holdings, developing their retained ownership supply system. She was also a purchasing specialist for McDonald's Corporation and worked for Hudson Foods Corporation. An alumna of Colorado State University, Saunders graduated magna cum laude with a B.S. in Agriculture Business and a Masters in Beef Industry Leadership.

Roel Andriessen of Dakota Dunes, South Dakota, is the new USMEF chair-elect. He is the senior vice president responsible for Tyson Fresh Meats’ international sales group.

Vice-chair Bruce Schmoll is a soybean and corn producer from Claremont, Minnesota. He has represented the oilseeds producing sector on the USMEF Executive Committee and is a past president of the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association.

(l. to r.)Secretary-Treasurer Dennis Stiffler, Vice-chair Bruce Schmoll, Chair-elect Roel Andriessen and USMEF Chair Leann Saunders

The newest member of the USMEF officer team is Dennis Stiffler, Ph.D., who will serve as secretary-treasurer. Stiffler is chief executive officer of Mountain States Rosen and has represented the lamb producing and feeding sector on the USMEF Executive Committee. He is based in Bronx, New York.

Thad Lively (right), USMEF senior vice president for trade access, moderates a trade issues panel discussion at the USMEF Strategic Planning Conference

Friday’s USMEF business session also included a trade issues panel discussion moderated by Thad Lively, USMEF senior vice president for trade access. Panelists were:

• Scott Sindelar, acting assistant deputy administrator, office of agreements and scientific affairs, USDA Foreign Agricultural Service
• Karen Hulebak, founder, Resolution Strategy
• John Dardis, first secretary for agriculture and food, Embassy of Ireland

The panel covered a number of key technical issues and policies that impact global meat trade, with a particular focus on China and the European Union.

The next USMEF Board of Directors meeting is set for May 20-22 in San Antonio, Texas.