Kentucky Ag News

American Black Hereford Association hires former KDA intern as executive director

 

Special to Kentucky Agricultural News

 

NANCY, Ky. - The American Black Hereford Association (ABHA) board has hired Brian T. Chism as the ABHA's executive director.

"We are excited to have Brian to serve as the first executive director for the American Black Hereford Association," said Tim Tarter, ABHA board president. "He has a unique mix of skills and experiences in the livestock industry that will allow him to provide the leadership and vision needed for ABHA, as we establish our official headquarters in Kentucky."

As executive director, Chism will take the lead in the establishment of the ABHA headquarters in Kentucky, the oversight and management of the association's operations, and serve as the lead liaison between the board and its members.

"The beef industry has been a passion of mine from a young age growing up showing cattle on the family farm," said Chism. "I am excited to have the opportunity to work with an innovative board that recognizes the potential for the Black Hereford breed and the boards desire to expand the operations of the organization to meet its growing membership needs."

Chism is a native of Brandenburg and a graduate of Western Kentucky University. He has been active in agriculture all his life. During college, Chism served as the Kentucky FFA state president and worked as an intern for the Kentucky FFA Foundation and a marketing intern for the Kentucky Department of Agriculture. Chism has been a part of his family's beef operation since childhood. He grew up working on the farm, showing livestock, and now plays an active role in overseeing the cow/calf operation.

"Growing up on a farm, I understand the commitment it takes to run a successful operation - there are no days off," said Chism. "The same level of commitment is needed to run a successful organization. I look forward to helping establish the first headquarters and growing the membership of the American Black Hereford Association."

The ABHA is a growing producer organization with farmer members across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. To learn more about the ABHA, the Black Hereford breed, or the Association's move to Kentucky contact the ABHA at americanblackhereford@gmail.com or visit blackhereford.org.