Johnson: Honored to serve Illinois cattlemen

It is with both a hint of sadness and yet anticipation for the future that I announce my departure from the Illinois Beef Association. Effective Nov. 12, I will be leaving the role of executive vice president to pursue an opportunity with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association.

My eight years serving the IBA, first as the director of communications followed by three years as executive vice president, have been extremely rewarding.

From developing and passing a strategic plan, multiple marketing plans and a policy book to working on a variety of issues that impact your farms to executing a redesign of our magazine, these initiatives were collaborative efforts developed to ensure that the organization continues to grow in relevance in the coming years while, more importantly, growing its members’ prosperity.

I’m occasionally asked what I hoped to accomplish during my time at the helm of IBA. My answer is three-fold.

First, I set out to lead an organization focused on collaboration and communication with volunteer leaders and producers. I wanted a team-like approach to the association developing programs that would ensure its long-term financial stability while continuing to provide Illinois cattlemen and women with the resources and services they need.

Second, I pushed for a renewed focus of IBA’s policy work both in Springfield and Washington, D.C. While not everyone enjoys the world of politics, it is policy that affects what we do in the beef industry and, therefore, is critical work of this organization.

IBA has a put a stop to bills that would critically impact your freedom to operate, lobbied for support and resources cattlemen and women needed in times of uncertainty, and pushed for common sense solutions that represent the best interests of our members.

Third, I wanted to create a workplace culture of empowerment and accountability. A culture where employees enjoyed coming to work and, at the same time, were able to grow professionally.

I’m confident that we’ve accomplished these objectives and look forward to the continued momentum and growth this organization is sure to achieve.

I’m often told that change is hard. I’ve never been one that worried much about taking a risk or making a change. I can say that what is hard is leaving the people.

I grew up on a cattle farm in this state and have spent the first quarter of my career working for the beef producers in Illinois. This has resulted in countless farm visits, roundtable discussions and, most importantly, friendships with a group of people I respect immensely.

To the IBA board of governors and past presidents, thank you for the encouragement, support and dedication to me, this organization and our vision. To the members and producers, thank you for investing in this association and I will cherish the conversations and time I spent with many of you.

It was an honor to serve this organization and I look forward to continuing to work for many of you at the national level. Illinois will always be home, and I hope that our paths will cross again in the future.

Jill Johnson is the executive vice president of the Illinois Beef Association.