Mark McCully 

CEO, American Angus Association^® 

Opening Session: Market Advantage | Friday at 3 p.m. 
General Session 3: Research Advantage | Saturday at 2 p.m. 
General Session 4: Advantage for the Future | Sunday at 8:30 a.m. 

As Chief Executive Officer of the American Angus Association^®, Mark McCully leads the nation’s largest beef breed registry with 21,000 members. McCully previously served in various leadership roles at Certified Angus Beef LLC and managed the Beef Improvement Program for Southern States Cooperative. Mark is a graduate of Western Illinois University and conducted a master’s program at Michigan State University where he also coached the collegiate livestock judging team. 

Kelli Retallick-Riley 

President, AGI^® 

Genetic Advantage Symposium | Saturday at 8 a.m. 

Kelli Retallick-Riley currently serves as the president of Angus Genetics Inc. (AGI®), a subsidiary of the American Angus Association® where she leads the company’s genetic evaluation technology and research programs. Retallick-Riley previously served as the served as the director of genetic and genomic programs and the director of genetic service at AGI. Kelli is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison and earned her master’s degree at Kansas State University where she also worked closely with scientists at the US Meat Animal Research Center in Nebraska. 

Troy Rowan

Assistant Professor, University of Tennessee’s Dept. of Animal Science  

Genetic Advantage Symposium | Saturday at 8 a.m. 

Troy Rowan is an Assistant Professor and Extension Beef Genetics Specialist at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture. Raised on a purebred Charolais operation in southwest Iowa, Troy has remained deeply connected to the beef industry throughout his career. He joined the UT faculty in 2021, where his research focuses on developing genetic strategies to improve the efficiency and sustainability of forage-based beef production systems. His work emphasizes the deployment of novel genomic technologies and the development of innovative phenotypes to enhance genetic evaluations. In addition to his research, Troy supports the Tennessee Master Beef Producer Program and contributes to national efforts through organizations such as the Beef Improvement Federation and the U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Beef. 

Mike Ellis  

Professor Emeritus, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign's Dept. of Animal Sciences  

Genetic Advantage Symposium | Saturday at 8 a.m. 

Mike Ellis was born and brought up in a coal mining village in the north of England. He obtained B.S. (in Agriculture) and Ph.D. (in Applied Swine Genetics) degrees from the Department of Agriculture at the University Newcastle-Upon-Tyne where from 1978 he held the position of Lecturer in Pig Production. From 1992 to 2022, he was Professor of Swine Production Management in the Department of Animal Sciences at the University of Illinois. He is currently Professor Emiritus at the University of Illinois. Dr. Ellis’ research has majored on applied swine production science with particular emphasis on genetics, managing the growth of pigs in wean-to-finish facilities, animal handling and transportation, pre-weaning mortality, and pork quality. He has advised over 60 students for MS and/or PhD degrees and has published over 150 papers in peer-reviewed scientific journals, 260 abstracts, and in excess of 300 occasional publications and reports, and has given presentations at over 200 scientific and producer meetings worldwide. 

James Henderson 

Bradley 3 Ranch  

Genetic Advantage Symposium | Saturday at 8 a.m. 

James was raised in west Kerr County as a 4th generation rancher. After graduating from Texas A&M University in 1977, he coached the Meat Judging Team at Texas Tech University in 1978.  For 35 years, he operated packing and processing plants in Texas, Colorado and Uruguay. James is married to Mary Lou Bradley-Henderson and together they operate Bradley 3 Ranch in Childress and Donely Counties in Texas. 

He has served on the Board of the Southwest Meat Assn and as Chairman, on the Board of NCBA where he also served as Chairman of the Beef Production and Research Committee, on the Board of Texas Cattle Feeders Assn, on the Board of the American Angus Assn, on the Board of Angus Genetics Inc. serving as Chairman in 2019 and 2020, on the Board of Certified Angus Beef, on the Board of Angus Media, on the Board of the Angus Foundation and the Board of Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Assn. He was named an Honorary Member of the Saddle & Sirloin Club at Texas A&M in 2015.

Shannon Hall

Oklahoma Cattle Producer 

Sunday Morning Devotional | Sunday at 7 a.m. 

Shannon Hall spent the later part of his childhood on the RO Ranch in Briscoe County, Texas where his father took care of a camp. Leaving home at 17 to work on some of the country’s largest ranches, he built a success award winning career as a horse trainer. It enabled Hall and his wife, Ronda, to buy a ranch in southwest Oklahoma. There they have raised three girls, Whitney, Kadee Belle and Dakota Jo as well as a herd of Gardiner Angus cattle. Hall says, “This is an amazing way to serve our lord and his people.” 

Troy Marshall 

Director of Commercial Industry Relations for the American Angus Association 

Unlocking New Value: Pathways for Commercial Calves | Saturday at 10 am 
Beyond the Sale: Building Seedstock-Commercial Partnerships | Saturday at 11 a.m. 

Troy Marshall currently serves as the director of commercial industry relations for the American Angus Association^® where he commits his daily efforts to creating opportunities for commercial cattle producers. Prior to his career with the Association, Troy has served the American Maine-Anjou Association, North American Limousin Foundation, and CattleFax as a market analyst. Marshall has a bachelor’s degree in equine and animal sciences from Colorado State University. 

Spencer Smith 

Partner in Capstone 

Beyond the Sale: Building Seedstock-Commercial Partnerships | Saturday at 11 a.m. 

Spencer Smith grew up on a ranch in North Texas and then attended Texas A&M for undergrad before going to the University of Houston for his JD/MBA. He spent 14 years in the oil field primarily in steel pipe manufacturing/sales before returning to the cattle business full time in 2021. Smith lives in Southern Oklahoma with his wife and 3 daughters where they have a commercial cow/calf herd and run stockers. He is a partner in Capstone Beef, a cattle feeding program focused on helping cow/calf producers in the area improve their genetics and bottom line. 

Emily & Brandon Richard

Richard Angus Ranch

Richard Angus Ranch is a first-generation family owned and operated business that was established in 2009, selling top-of-the-line, coming 2-year old bulls. Brandon and Emily Richard love sharing their passion for the Angus breed. Their number one priority is to help the commercial cattleman capitalize on industry-leading genetics the Angus breed has to offer. The Richards pride themselves on offering genetics that provide an end product that is well above the average and being a year-round resource for our customers. Both were born and raised on commercial operations before starting their own registered herd which gives Brandon and Emily a deep, real life understanding of the needs of the commercial operation. The Richards currently reside on Brandon’s home place in southwest North Dakota with their three children. 

Paul Dykstra 

Director of Supply Management & Analysis, Certified Angus Beef 

Market Chat: A Conversation Between Cattlemen | Saturday at 10 a.m. 

As the director of supply management and analysis, Paul Dykstra works with cattlemen to help garner a growing supply of the Certified Angus Beef ^® brand. He shares information and builds relationships with cattle feeders, commercial cow-calf producers and registered breeders, pointing to ways to profitably manage and market high-quality cattle. Before coming to the brand, Paul was the feedlot manager for the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center. During his 20-year tenure he has audited ranches and feedyards pursuing the brand’s Natural product extension. He’s the brand’s resident expert on beef market and grading trends, which he reports in the bi-weekly CAB Insider. Paul and his family live in Chappell, Nebraska, where he manages his own cow herd. 

Kara Lee 

Director of Producer Engagement, Certified Angus Beef 

Working in Balance: Carcass and Maternal Traits | Saturday at 1 p.m. 

Kara Lee grew up on her parents’ farm in Southern Indiana and brought her passion for cattle to Certified Angus Beef in 2009, where today she serves as the director of producer engagement. In this role, Kara leads marketing and education initiatives for cattlemen—all with the goal to help them earn more for their focus on quality. She may be spotted at industry events, discussing marketing strategies, daily cattle care and delicious beef with attendees. She also hosts ranch and feedyard experiences for brand partners who are curious to learn more about the cattle production community.  

Kara resides in Leavenworth, Kan., with her family on their farm, where they raise Angus cattle and crops.

Kirsten Nickles 

Sustainability & Animal Care Scientist, Certified Angus Beef  

Land Stewardship: Profitable Conservation | Saturday at 1 p.m.  

Kirsten’s passion for agriculture began early in life on her family’s diversified farm in Ohio, where they raise beef cattle and have a grain farm. She took that passion and obtained her Master’s and Doctorate degrees in Animal Sciences at The Ohio State University, where she focused on beef cattle production and management. After graduation, she joined Certified Angus Beef in early 2022. Kirsten leads the brand’s sustainability initiatives, serving as a technical expert and resource for the farm and ranch community alongside licensed brand partners. At the brand, Kirsten works to identify and develop initiatives that positively impact the future of beef production and demand, while bolstering licensed partners’ trust and confidence in the beef industry’s commitment to high-quality, sustainable beef.  

Hugh Aljoe 

Director of Ranches, Outreach, and Partnerships, Noble Research Institute 

Land Stewardship: Profitable Conservation | Saturday at 1 p.m.  

Hugh Aljoe serves as the director of ranches, outreach, and partnerships at Noble Research Institute, where he focuses on regenerative management of range and pasture, high stock density grazing and holistic ranch management. He has been associated with Noble since 1995 and, before joining, managed a 3,000-acre, 1,500-head cattle operation in Texas. Hugh received his master’s degree in range science from Texas A&M University with an emphasis on grazing management. 

Esther Tarpoff 

Director of Performance Programs, American Angus Association  

New Opportunities for Maternal Trait Selection | Saturday at 11 a.m. 

Esther Tarpoff is the director of performance programs for the American Angus Association. Tarpoff helps Angus breeders advance genetic selection tools by focusing on the Angus Herd Improvement Records program. She helps educate and support producers on their data collection, while establishing programs to benefit breeders nationwide. 

Devin Jacobs 

Performance Programs Specialist, American Angus Association 

Records to Results: Putting Your Data to Work for You | Saturday at 1 p.m. 

Devin Jacobs is the Performance Programs Specialist for the American Angus Association. Jacobs supports Angus breeders through coordination of the Association’s various data collection programs, such as Inventory Reporting, and serves as an educational resource for data collection and genetic selection tools. She strives to support breeders in the genetic improvement of their herds and the advancement of the Angus breed.

Delynn Kuykendall 

Member Services Specialist, American Angus Association 

Tailor Your Membership: Tools for Today, Transitions for Tomorrow | Saturday at 10 a.m.

As a Northwest Missouri native, Delynn joined Team Angus in 2018. In her role as a Member Services Specialist for the Association, she focuses on managing both new membership applications and updating existing memberships to ensure members are set up for success. She has a passion for delivering world-class customer service and can assist in just about anything member services related. 

Nichole Forsythe 

Member Services Specialist, American Angus Association 

Tailor Your Membership: Tools for Today, Transitions for Tomorrow | Saturday at 10 a.m. 
Data Done Right: Tips and Tools to Simplify Your Workflow | Saturday at 11 a.m. 

Nichole works as a Member Services Specialist for the Association. Since 2021, Nichole has strived to provide a one stop shop for our membership. Today she helps with all your data submission needs, with a focus on performance data. Nichole is no stranger to the cattle business, as she is fortunate to continue the conversation about cattle in her personal life, raising a herd with her family. 

Melissa Hanway 

Senior Member Services Specialist, American Angus Association 

Data Done Right: Tips and Tools to Simplify Your Workflow | Saturday at 11 a.m. 
Records to Results: Putting Your Data to Work for You | Saturday at 1 p.m. 

Joining team Angus in 2013, Melissa serves as a Senior Member Services Specialist for the Association. She possesses diversified knowledge across the member services department, serving as a trusted resource and excellent teacher to many. She grew up on a commercial cattle operation in Northwest Missouri and enjoys building relationships with members near and far.  

Grace Sanburg 

Print Services Coordinator/Graphic Artist, Angus Media 

Preventing Last-Minute Meltdowns: Synch Your Management & Marketing Schedules | Saturday at 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. 

Grace Sanburg works as a Senior Print Services Coordinator/Graphic Artist at Angus Media. Growing up on a fourth generation seedstock operation in Western Colorado, she learned to combine her passion for cattle and design. Today, she enjoys helping breeders tell their operations unique stories through print media. 

Mackenzie Leach 

Senior Digital Specialist, Angus Media 

Preventing Last-Minute Meltdowns: Synch Your Management & Marketing Schedules | Saturday at 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. 

Mackenzie Leach is a Senior Digital Specialist at Angus Media, where she helps Angus breeders amplify their message through strategic digital marketing. Raised on her family’s commercial Angus operation, Mackenzie brings firsthand experience and a deep passion for serving the American cattlemen.

Rachel Hunter 

Senior Print Services Coordinator, Angus Media 

No Two Sales Are the Same: Match Your Marketing Goals & Budget | Saturday at 11 a.m. 

Rachel Hunter is a Senior Print Services Coordinator for Angus Media. She grew up in Georgia on a purebred cattle farm, raising and showing both club calves and registered cattle. Rachel and her husband Jordan, a 5th-generation Angus breeder, currently live on their family Angus farm in Fair Grove, Missouri.   

Rachel enjoys the opportunity to work with breeders and their sale managers on a daily basis as they plan and develop various marketing avenues for their livestock, specifically their sale book through the Pasture to Publish online platform system. 

Courtney Bartenslager 

Digital Marketing Manager, Angus Media 

No Two Sales Are the Same: Match Your Marketing Goals & Budget | Saturday at 11 a.m. 

Courtney Bartenslager is the digital marketing manager at Angus Media, helping Angus breeders and corporate clients connect with their target audiences. Raised on a Kentucky cow-calf operation, she brings a strong background in agricultural marketing from previous industry roles. 

Will Harsh 

American Angus Association Regional Manager for Colorado and Nebraska 

Preventing Last-Minute Meltdowns: Synch Your Management & Marketing Schedules | Saturday at 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. 

Will Harsh is a third-generation Angus breeder who grew up in the National Junior Angus Association program. He began his career with the American Angus Association in 2019, initially covering the Southeast region, before transitioning to the Nebraska and Colorado territory in 2023.  

A proud graduate of Oklahoma State University, Will and his wife, Gabrielle, are both former Junior Angus members who developed their passion for the Angus breed at a young age.