Dear ABGA members,
It is with great excitement that I write this letter to you as the newly named Executive Director for the Association. I am humbled to have been selected by the board of directors to help lead the organization forward in the future and look forward to the growth and opportunities that are in front of us. As you may have read in my bio, I have spent my entire life in Agriculture and this industry is truly my passion. As executive director, it is my duty to lead the organization forward by implementing the strategic plan developed by the board and have a vision for growth and progress that will lead us into the future. My goal will be that each and every decision that is made by myself and the board of directors will be done so with the greater good of the association in mind and find the solutions that best benefits the breed and association members as a whole.
First and foremost, my duty will be to serve you as members and ensure that your needs are being met – and this rightfully is the first pillar of the strategic plan. This includes ensuring we have a strong office staff that has the resources necessary to provide members with needed services in an efficient manner. While each of you have a regional representative on the board of directors that I encourage you to communicate with and build a relationship with, know that I am available to discuss issues and opportunities with every member of the association. My goal will be to meet as many of you as possible and understand how the association can help your individual operation. Whether your goal is the showring, raising seedstock, a commercial focus or another niche, your operation and goals will be valued.
The second pillar of the association’s strategic plan is youth development. Under the direction of Hannah Jenkins, the JABGA is on a great trajectory, and I will work alongside her to continue to grow and develop opportunities for our youth. Without a strong set of young leaders and motivated JABGA members, our association will not see growth in the coming years. Our young people are literally our future, and we must do our part to motivate, encourage and involve them in the association.
I also have a strong vision for developing new and progressive opportunities for the breed and this association. This will include helping to grow the use of DNA, continuing research and develop partnerships with academia and industry stakeholders, writing and securing grant funding for projects that will directly benefit members, and developing marketing strategies that will increase consumer awareness and develop brand recognition for the American Boer Goat.
I am a firm believer that complacency is the death of good organizations, and if we aren’t moving forward, then we are falling behind. I am optimistic that the association is in a great position to build on its great history and strong membership base by focusing on growth and capitalizing on opportunities and new technologies that will set ourselves up for success in the coming years.
I look forward to serving you and this membership. Please feel free to reach out with any questions, comments or concerns at any point in time.
Sincerely,
Caleb Boardman
Executive Director
307-250-2298
