Angus director of member services to retire

Jerry Cassady’s name became synonymous with service long before he took up the helm in the member services department at the American Angus Association.

“Serving the members, over the years, has been a highlight and primary focus,” Cassady said. “It truly has been where my passion lies; making sure their needs are being met and working to promote the Angus breed.”

The long-time employee will retire April 30.

“I truly appreciate Jerry’s three decades of service and dedication to the breed and the members,” said Mark McCully, CEO of the American Angus Association, St Joseph, Missouri. “Jerry’s leadership and professionalism in both his role as regional manager and director of member services has been integral to the success of the organization.”

Career with Angus started in 1992

Cassady began his career with the association in 1992 as a regional manager for Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin.

During a time when the role was expanding and regional managers were finding their schedules booked up, Cassady was dedicated to connecting with and assisting as many breeders as possible. He offered a new option to members: local and regional educational sessions.

“There were a lot of small producers in the region I was covering,” recalled Cassady, “and when they had the opportunity for some type of collaboration with other breeders with like minds and common goals it always tended to lead to really good interaction, networking and exchanging of ideas.”

During his time in the field, Cassady spent many weekends helping at junior events. As a 4-H and FFA alum, Cassady recognized the tremendous value derived from time spent in the show ring at a young age.

“You watch them grow up to become future leaders of our industry at state, regional and national levels, which is rewarding,” Cassady told the Angus Journal in a 2004 article.

Directorship started in 2016

Cassady became director of member services in 2016. During his tenure, Cassady helped facilitate organizational changes that have helped the association more effectively serve members.

“When I started, the folks on the member services team were very specialized,” Cassady said. “Today, with efficiency for members in mind, we’ve undertaken enormous cross-training efforts so we can provide the services that the member needs with just one phone call.”

McCully commended Cassady for his dedication to the members.

“Jerry’s deep institutional knowledge and understanding of association rules and policies was always coupled with his commitment to providing the best service to all members,” McCully said.

With Cassady’s retirement, Levi Landers has been promoted to director of member and field services.

The combined role will allow Landers to lead services from all touchpoints. Landers joined the Association in 2019 as a regional manager for Colorado and Nebraska. He was promoted to director of field services in April 2023 and moved to the association’s main office.

“The combination of my roles will only serve the members of the American Angus Association even better,” Landers said. “The leadership that Jerry Cassady provided the organization was unmeasurable. I hope to continue down the path that Jerry has provided for the members during his career.”

Jessica Hartman is a communication specialist with the American Angus Association.