ADSA® Presidential Report

The past year has been one of both achievements and challenges for ADSA. was highlighted by development a new strategic plan record number pages published in the Journal Dairy Science with Impact Factor (4.034) journal. However, organization also faced two major April: resignation our executive director decision to hold annual meeting virtual format second consecutive year. During fall 2020, ADSA Board approved proposal former director, Catharine Perry, develop society. For first time, hired an outside consulting firm (Potomac Core) assist its plan. steps included conversations individual board members survey designed gauge needs stakeholders. More than 700 individuals completed that — big thank-you goes all who participated. To my knowledge, this is largest responses ever By early March, outline objectives had developed. These were (1) champion profession's scientific outcomes; (2) unite profession industry; (3) grow advance profession; (4) connect global dairy science community. remainder planning process dealt implementation process. I expect final approval release fall, once finalizes prioritizes objectives. A challenge announcement Perry would be stepping down from director's position April accept chief operating officer Fertilizer Institute Washington, DC. This step up Catharine's career but loss made significant improvements operations and, course, provided leadership during her brief time association. Graciously, agreed completion through last June. We wish best role. search began immediately used firm, Vetted Solutions, conducted previous search. Because Solutions already knew type we looking for, they able accelerate committee reviewed applications several candidates end June, interviews mid-July. Jerry Bowman, formerly Flavor Extract Manufacturers Association (FEMA) his duties as September. brings vast experience association management FEMA previously vice president communications Food Technologists. are fortunate bring such capable hands organization. year, Annual Meeting held format. came after considerable discussion at April. It more difficult decisions observed current terms on Board. pandemic, weigh factors, including safety ability attend, given restrictions travel many public private institutions. quarantine requirements upon their return home, it clear participants United States, normally make 28% total attendees, not attend person. That left smaller pool potential in-person attendees. Overall Planning Committee surveyed determine if delayed until fall. response excellent, 1,100 respondents. While general desire hybrid attendance, indicated unable because scheduling conflicts or continuing restrictions. In essence, just did have idea how people even delayed. end, voted virtual-only July dates originally planned. very disappointing know want meet Kudos Mike VandeHaar, Cara Tharp, Program Committee, FASS staff successfully implementing change 10 weeks before meeting. spite rapid deployment vaccines, least now COVID-19 will become endemic, must adapt having deal presence when future meetings. model attendees option, Foundation successful Discover Conference (“NASEM Nutrient Requirements Cattle”) using late August. With 380 conference excellent interaction between participants. Although organize deliver, proved could deliver Perhaps most achievement 2020–2021 continued growth size stature Science. years, nearly doubled 12,193 (published 2020). 5 increased 2.408 4.034. success journal does come without challenges, especially publishing environment journals changed dramatically. advent open access transformative agreements publishers institutions disrupting traditional financial models publication. Many thanks go Paul Kononoff, JDS editor-in-chief, Susan Pollock, managing editor FASS, editors reviewers, importantly, authors, whom ensure improvement Science, making world's premier Another publications front launching sister summer named Communications. Communications fully publishes focused, hypothesis-driven original research studies answer specific question production processing milk products intended human consumption. honor serve you ADSA's 2020–2021. am grateful support term. professional home since joined graduate student 40 years ago. deep loyalty members. successes truly believe poised move next level