You can do a lot in 27 years, like learn how taxes work, paint the porch three different colors before settling on the first one again, and maybe — finally — perfect your brisket recipe. Or in Kathrin Gresham’s case, establish a career that leaves a legacy.

After nearly three decades behind the scenes as photo services coordinator for Angus Media, Gresham is stepping away from her desk and into retirement. 

Embracing change

Gresham joined the American Angus Association team in December 1997, but her journey began when she first walked through the doors a few months prior. The Association was at a turning point, leaving behind paste-up layouts and stepping into the new era of digital production. 

Gresham was working part-time, helping scan photos into the new computer systems.

“Every month I would scan the photos, and then they would delete the files, and then the next month I would scan the same photos,” she says. “So, I started saving them, and that’s where our master photos archive came from.”

According to other members of her team, that archive — and Gresham’s firsthand knowledge of it — are invaluable.

As Susan Bomar, print services coordinator, puts it, “I know if she tells me she can’t find a photo, we don’t have it. No follow-up searching required.”

Today, in a world where nearly everything is digital, Gresham’s early efforts are appreciated. Thanks to her foresight, there is a digital record of the Association reaching deep into its past. Old show photos that once gathered dust in basement boxes have a second life through her work.

“In my spare time over the years, I’d go downstairs and get a box of old photos and scan them,” she says. “There’s a whole lot of stuff digital that didn’t used to be.”

Despite all the changes in technology through the years, Gresham says it hasn’t been difficult to keep up. 

“I would just learn as I went,” she explains. 

A career of service

As photo services coordinator, Gresham wears many hats. Working with the print services team at Angus Media, a large part of her role is locating, preparing and placing photos for sale books and other print services publications. 

This task requires organization and an eye for detail. Just last year, Kathrin placed more than 35,000 pictures, from lot photos to sire images. Some of the less glamorous parts of her job involve photo cleanup, removing things like mud and manure to present a clean background or a clean animal.

“That’s one thing I’ll be happy to leave,” Gresham admits with a laugh. 

No matter what hat she is wearing, her goal is always the same: to help the American Angus Association breeders present their cattle in the best possible light. Thanks to her dedication, she has become known across the Angus community as someone advertisers and breeders can rely on.

I’ve built a reputation within the industry that I’m very proud of. These people look to me for help presenting their animals in the best way possible, and I really like that.” — Katherine Gresham

Her colleagues echo that sentiment.

 “She’s been my go-to person since I started here,” Bomar explains. “I will miss that database she carries around in her head.”

Senior billing analyst Sharon Mayes agrees, noting how valuable Gresham’s dedication to her work has been to Angus Media. 

“Her attention to detail was impeccable, and you could always count on her to get the job done — even if it meant working extra hours.”

An Angus community

When asked how she hopes to be remembered, Gresham’s answer was simple. 

“Kind and helpful.”

According to her co-workers, that’s a goal achieved. 

“Kathrin was always pleasant and helpful,” says Gail Lombardino, print services team lead. “Her meticulous organization and photo storage system will benefit Angus Media long after she’s gone.”

Leann Schleicher, graphic artist for the Angus Beef Bulletin, agrees. 

“Kathrin’s legacy at Angus Media is one of quiet dedication and behind-the-scenes excellence. She’s the go-to person for last-minute photo needs, always ready with a quick, ‘Just send it to me and I’ll see what I can find.’”

Both Lombardino and Schleicher admit while they appreciate Gresham’s dedication, they’ll miss her friendship most.

“I’ll miss our shared love of coffee and her daily 1 p.m. break room updates when a fresh pot was brewing,” Schleicher says. 

Lombardino adds the office will be different without Gresham’s kind personality around.

Thanks to Gresham, many old show photos that were once printed and stored in boxes are now scanned and available electronically.