Newly approved officers include, Michelle Rieff, Bentonville, Ark., president; Kathi Creamer, Montrose, Colo., president-elect; Barbara Ettredge, Pilot Point, Texas, secretary-treasurer, and Nancy Thelen, Saline, Mich., advisor. This year's officer team, along with Auxiliary committee members and regional directors will continue to enhance and support the purpose of the American Angus Auxiliary.

The American Angus Auxiliary also introduced its regional director program. The six regional directors include Mary K. Vejraska, Omak, Wash.; Annie Viator, Franklin, Texas; Lynne Hinrichsen, Westmoreland, Kan.; Martha Holshouser, Gold Hill, N.C.; Leslie Mindemann, Sullivan, Wis.; and Cortney Hill-Dukehart, Sykesville, Md.

The newly implemented regional director program is an important building block for the Auxiliary's outreach and programs. These six positions will allow the American Angus Auxiliary to connect with state, local, and regional Angus auxiliaries. The greater networking power created by these positions will help the Auxiliary further its purpose and connect with other Angus supporters and, most importantly, highlight opportunities for junior members involved in the Angus breed.

The American Angus Auxiliary consists of individuals interested in the welfare of the Angus breed. Its members work to provide educational activities for junior Angus members, such as scholarship programs, awards and competitions. For more information about the American Angus Auxiliary, visit www.angusauxiliary.com.

Michelle Rieff, Bentonville Ark.

Michelle Rieff is a third generation Angus producer. She currently is a counselor at Bentonville's Lincoln Junior High School. Rieff and her husband, Kevin, along with their daughter Haley, manage Mason Valley Cattle Company, where they offer registered Angus, Maine-Anjou, and commercial cattle with an emphasis on raising and selling club calves. In addition to her Auxiliary role, Rieff is active in her community and has served the Angus breed in numerous capacities through volunteer work with state and National Junior Angus Association (NJAA) members.

Kathi Creamer, Montrose, Colo.

Kathi Creamer grew up in the Angus business. Currently, she and her husband, Jeff, along with their children, Brandon and Britney, and Kathi's parents Richard and Elaine Biella own and operate Lazy JB Angus Ranch. They run 250 registered Angus cows, market bulls through an annual bull sale and sell show heifers and replacement females through private treaty. Kathi and her family are active in the Angus business, particularly junior programs. In addition to serving their local and the National Junior Angus Association (NJAA), the Creamers host several cattle care and fitting clinics.

Barbara Ettredge, Pilot Point, Texas

Barbara Ettredge has been involved with the Angus breed in numerous capacities, including serving her local Angus association and the local and national Angus auxiliaries. Ettredge's family includes her husband, Mike, daughters Gretchen and Tammy, and son-in-law, Andrew. The Ettredges operate Circle E Farms in Pilot Point. In addition to her active involvement to support the Angus breed and its junior members, Ettredge is a high school counselor at Pilot Point High School and adjunct instructor at North Central Texas College.

Nancy Thelen, Saline, Mich.

Nancy Thelen has been involved with various Angus organizations since 1967. She has served the American Angus Auxiliary in numerous leadership capacities, including secretary-treasurer, president-elect and president, in addition to serving on various Auxiliary committees. Nancy and her husband, Steve, along with their daughters Renee and Julie are all active in their state and national Angus organizations and activities. In addition to assisting with her family's farm, Hillside Acres, Nancy serves as a Cooperative Extension Specialist for Michigan.

Regional director territories:

Region one, Mary K. Vejraska: Washington, Idaho, Oregon, California, Nevada, Montana, Wyoming, Utah, Arizona, Hawaii and Alaska.

Region two, Annie Viator: Colorado, New Mexico, Texas and Oklahoma.

Region three, Lynne Hinrichsen: Kansas, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa and Nebraska

Region four, Martha Holshouser: Missouri, Arkansas, Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida.

Region five, Leslie Mindemann: Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky.