The American Angus Association^® has promoted Alex Tolbert, regional manager for Kentucky, Ohio and Tennessee, to Director of Commercial Relations and Producer Education. For the past 12 years, Tolbert has served Association members and commercial cattlemen with a deep passion for the Angus breed and a commitment to producer success. In his new role, he will lead efforts to advance programs that improve profitability for users of registered Angus genetics, strengthen commercial industry relationships and expand producer education. 

As a regional manager, Tolbert championed educational efforts surrounding AngusLink^® and GeneMax Advantage™ and worked to connect both commercial and seedstock producers with tools designed to add value across the beef supply chain. His efforts helped drive significant growth in GeneMax testing throughout the region, with testing doubling year over year for two consecutive years. 

“I once heard, ‘The seedstock industry exists as a business to meet the needs of the commercial cattleman,’” Tolbert said. “That idea has shaped the way I approach my work at the Association. Whether serving as a regional manager or in this new role, my goal remains the same: to serve Angus breeders and commercial cattlemen while strengthening the value Angus genetics bring to the beef industry.” 

Tolbert is a product of the Angus breed, having grown up on an operation in Jackson County, Georgia. As a member of the National Junior Angus Association, he served on the National Junior Angus Board. Following graduation from Oklahoma State University, Tolbert worked for the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service’s Livestock and Grain Market News Service and eventually managed the Federal/State program in Kentucky and Tennessee. Throughout his tenure with the Association, Tolbert has expanded outreach across his region by strengthening industry partnerships, serving as a trusted resource for cattle producers and organizing educational opportunities. 

“Alex brings a unique combination of commercial industry perspective, practical experience and passion for the Angus breed to the position,” said Casey Jentz, chief operating officer of the American Angus Association. “His ability to build relationships and connect producers with solutions that improve profitability makes him exceptionally well suited to lead our commercial relations and producer education efforts.” 

Tolbert will transition into the role on September 14. He will continue supporting previously scheduled sales and events within Region 3 during the transition period. The Association is actively recruiting a regional manager to serve Kentucky, Ohio and Tennessee. Interested applicants can learn more and apply at angus.org/careers.