The American Hereford Association has named Jack Ward as the new Executive Vice President.  In his new role Jack will direct the functions of the AHA, including the role of Association secretary, be responsible for developing and recommending policies and plans, as well as programs to meet the needs of membership, and growing the reputation of the Hereford breed and the AHA.

“After a rigorous search, Jack was an inspired choice by the Board,” says Eric Walker, AHA president. “His knowledge and experience of all aspects of the seedstock industry combined with his commitment and respect for the Hereford breed and its members made him the choice candidate.

With deep roots in the beef cattle industry, Jack has been involved in the seedstock industry since birth. While growing up in Indiana, he was active in 4-H and FFA showing cattle, sheep and pigs. He earned his associate of science degree from Black Hawk East, Kewanee, Ill., and bachelor’s degree in agriculture economics from Purdue University.

“As Executive Vice President, I will strive to encourage a culture that enhances the skills and expertise of our competent and qualified staff with the direction and guidance of the AHA Board while continually monitoring the needs and interests of our diverse membership,” Jack says. “It is both humbling and an honor to lead an organization that has been such a major part of my life and my life’s work.”

Along with his solid background in Association work, he also has real world seedstock experience spending 16 years managing several predominant seedstock operations and most recently was managing partner of Maple Lane Angus.

Jack serves on the Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) board of directors — serving from 2006 to 2010 and was re-elected to the board in 2014. In 2013, BIF honored Jack with its Continuing Service Award for his contributions to BIF past, present and future.
He currently serves on the Ultrasound Guidelines Council (UGC), the Scientific Advisory Board for the Feed Efficiency Project and on the beef species advisory board for the National Animal Germplasm Program.

Family is also a very important part of his life as well. Jack and his wife, Mary Ann have two sons —and raised both boys involved in agriculture.