Angus Media names Clay Zwilling as President

The Angus Media board of directors recently named Clay Zwilling president of the organization to guide the company as it delivers industry-leading education, information and marketing to the beef industry.

“Clay is a natural leader,” said Mark McCully, vice chairman of the Angus Media board of directors and chief executive officer for the American Angus Association. “His passion for innovation, while keeping an eye on the tradition, makes him a perfect fit.”

Most recently, Zwilling was the chief operating officer for Walton Webcasting, where he helped develop the organization during a time of rapid growth. Prior to that, he was the chief executive officer of the National Swine Registry working with the executive committee, breed boards and membership to create and execute their vision and mission. Zwilling started his professional career with Farm Credit Illinois as the director of marketplace education and development.

“Angus breeders are stewards of both their herds and family ranches, as well as the Angus legacy,” Zwilling said. “Angus Media plays an important role in telling their stories and giving them cutting-edge, cost-effective marketing tools to achieve their goals.”

Zwilling brings diversified livestock experience to Angus Media, but his roots are in the beef business. He grew up raising cattle and knows that background from other segments of the livestock industry is additive, giving him additional perspective.

“I believe the vision of Angus breeders is very much like the rest of the livestock industry,” he says. “We all want to ensure the profitability of the industry we love. That requires an understanding of the tried and true but with the ability to be innovative and creative.”

That kind of vision is exactly what intrigued him about the position, and similarly why the Angus Media board selected him as the new president.

Zwilling holds a master’s degree from Texas A&M University in Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communication. He did his undergraduate work at Oklahoma State University and Lake Land College in Illinois. In addition to his work experience, Zwilling has held various leadership roles within the livestock and agriculture industries, including currently serving on the board of National Pedigreed Livestock Council and OSU Animal Science Alumni. He was an All-American and a member of the national champion livestock judging team and is a past Illinois State FFA president.

Zwilling will assume his duties as president on May 8 and will relocate to the St. Joseph area with his wife, Deanna, and their 2-year-old daughter, Allie.

For more information about Angus Media and the American Angus Association, please visit angus.org.