May 20, 2011

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For more information contact:

Carrie Gilliam, American Angus Association public relations intern, at 816-383-5100 or printern@angus.org; or

Milford Jenkins, Angus Foundation president, at 816-383-5100 or mjenkins@angusfoundation.org

Katie Allen Joins Angus Foundation

The Angus Foundation announces Katie Allen as its marketing and public relations assistant. Allen will join the American Angus Association^®’s not-for-profit affiliate in June.

Missouri native, Allen’s responsibilities will include the development and implementation of marketing and public relations initiatives, and production of the Angus Foundation’s annual report, newsletter and website. She will also identify and create new methods in print and electronic media for the Angus Foundation to recognize donors, and plan and market events.

“Katie is a very talented and qualified agricultural communications professional with an impressive portfolio of achievements and accomplishments,” said Milford Jenkins, Angus Foundation president.

Allen developed a keen appreciation for farming and ranching while growing up on her family’s beef cattle and crop operation in Marceline, Mo., Jenkins said. 

            Allen is a 2008 University of Missouri graduate, with a degree in agricultural journalism and minors in animal science and agricultural economics. In 2010 she received a master’s degree in agricultural communications from Texas Tech University.

Her experiences during her undergraduate studies include serving as the “Farm Report” television anchor for KOMU-TV 8 and serving as a radio news reporter for KBIA-NPR and Brownfield Ag News. She has freelance writing experience for Missouri Ruralist, Cattlemen’s News, Missouri FFA Today, Missouri Beef Cattleman and Today’s Farmer magazines. Allen also served as an event intern for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association.

While completing her master’s degree, she researched topics relating to food safety, country-of-origin labeling and the use of social media. Allen also worked as an assistant instructor for agricultural communications and taught undergraduate Web design and public relations courses.

Allen has been recognized nationally with the Livestock Publications Council’s Forrest Bassford Award, ACT Writing Award of Excellence and was a Mizzou ‘39 Award Winner, which is given to the top 39 seniors each year at the University of Missouri.

“With Allen’s proven marketing and public relations skills, education and enthusiasm for the future of the beef cattle industry, she will play an important role in reaching the Foundation’s Vision of Value: Campaign for Angus fundraising goal of raising $11 million by Dec. 31,” Jenkins said. “We look forward to working with Katie as we welcome her to Team Angus.”

For more information about the Angus Foundation or the organization’s “Vision of Value: Campaign for Angus,” visit www.angusfoundation.org.

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