ROME, N.Y. — Along with the approach of spring come changes at the New York Beef Council (NYBC). The NYBC Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Jean O’Toole as the new Executive Director.
Chairman Rich Brown, cattlemen from Port Byron says, “Jean has been on staff at the NYBC for over 10 years and during that time has shown tremendous dedication to the industry as well as creative and innovative ideas to promote beef and improve the beef industry for our NY producers. We are very confident that she will lead the NYBC to a new level to maximize our Checkoff dollars for the benefit of beef and dairy producers. All our staff at the Beef Council are top notch and a great team that we are proud to have working for producers.”
Jean moves into the Executive Director position from being the Director of Integrated Communications where she directed the NYBC social media activities as well as promotions e.g. Beef Day at the State Fair. Jean takes on the position from retiring Executive Director Carol Gillis. “After working with Jean since 2005, I know that I am leaving my position in very capable hands. Jean always has new ideas and the energy to see them to fruition. She demonstrates that every year at Beef Day at the New York State Fair which she has built into a great promotion to recognize the beef industry in NY” says Gillis.
Jean will be a 2017 graduate of Class 16 LEAD NY program. She resides in New Hartford with her husband and two daughters. Originally from Wisconsin, Jean has called NY home since 1991. Jean states, “I look forward to the opportunity to further serve our New York Beef Producers as the Executive Director, I am honored to be selected to lead the efforts of the checkoff on their behalf.”
Also on staff at the NY Beef Council is Cindy Phillips, Director of Nutrition Education. Cindy, a registered dietitian works with dietitians, health professionals and consumers spreading the good news about beef’s place in a healthy diet. Katherine Brosnan, Director of Industry Relations and Promotions joined the staff in October 2016. Katherine is NYBC coordinator for the NY Beef Quality Assurance program and also coordinates beef tours, culinary tours and the Master of Beef Advocacy program. Denise Jones, Administrative Assistant is responsible for Checkoff Collections and Compliance along with the Executive Director. The NYBC office is located at 6351 Route 26, Rome and staff can be contacted at 315.339.6922.
The New York Beef Council was established as the Qualified State Beef Council for the State of New York under the Beef Promotion and Research Act of 1986. This enables the NYBC to retain 50 cents of each $1 assessment on New York cattle for programs of Consumer Information, Promotion, Industry Information and Research within the state.
—New York Beef Council
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