John Stika, President
Certified since 1999
John elevates the brand’s relevance for partners worldwide by strengthening customer relationships, providing cutting-edge solutions and growing momentum from farm to table.
“The brand’s mission is to put high-quality product on people’s plates around the world. It’s a great mission, and thus makes for a great place to work when you believe so strongly in why it exists.”
Randy Blach, CEO, CattleFax
Featured speaker since 2000
Randy’s nearly 40 years in beef market analysis helps ranchers and feeders sustain their businesses through timely market information, profitable management solutions and research.
“Our focus at CattleFax is on helping them make data-driven decisions that can have a significant impact on their profitability and keep these folks on the land. This is my passion that drives me every day!”
Clint Walenciak, Director, Packing
Certified since 2000
Clint leads communications with the USDA to uphold the brand’s quality certification, and provides partners with product availability forecasts and market trends to guide their business decisions.
“The best parts of working for the brand are the quality it represents and the opportunity to work with the dedicated people across our community.”
Tracey Erickson, Senior Executive Vice President, Marketing
Certified since 1992
Tracey choreographs marketing solutions that elevate businesses worldwide and position the brand as the best in category through its unique heritage on family farms and farm-to-table quality focus..
“The brand represents the best in the industry, which all comes back to people. The collective focus and effort of brand partners to offer end-users the very best is inspiring.”
Melissa Brewer, Vice President, Communications
Certified since 2007
Melissa positions and promotes the brand and partners by sharing culinary stories and engaging consumers through traditional and digital media, brand journalism and authentic storytelling.
“This brand is so much more than great product. It’s great people. And story upon story of the grit and passion it takes to be successful. It’s an honor to work for, and with, a community so rich in respect for each other and with so many great stories to be told.”
Christy Johnson, Vice President, Branding
Certified since 1997
Christy develops branding and marketing initiatives that build consumer loyalty for our partners, and leads advertising and research to continue enhancing those strategies and partners’ successes.
“The quality of our partners, our product, and our people allows us to keep reinventing how we go to market globally with this brand every day. And the best part: it all supports farmers and ranchers—a livelihood I’m personally very passionate about preserving for future generations.”
Margaret Coleman, Director, Digital Platforms
Certified since 2001
Margaret leads the brand’s presence on the Worldwide Web and social channels, with a focus on delivering engaging, relevant content that grows a tribe of fans for the brand and its partners.
“I love creating the ‘ah-ha’ moment for consumers to realize the brand is better, and knowing their trust makes a difference in the bottom line for farmers and ranchers, like my own family.”
Nicole Erceg, Director, Communications
Certified since 2017
Nicole brings stories of our brand and partners to the world through storytelling and multi-media communications that energize and engage partners, their customers, media and consumers.
“My favorite part of working with our partners is that we’re not just another brand, we’re their brand. They take as much ownership in the success of this business, the profitability we drive for our ranchers and the experience for consumers as we do. That’s part of what makes this brand special.”
David O’Diam, Vice President, Retail
Certified since 2009
David leads strategies and services to drive traffic and build consumer loyalty for retail partners, and supports them with innovative, results-driven beef merchandising, marketing and training.
“I love knowing this brand matters for our customers and rancher owners. When I see our beef in the meat case, I know that’s helping a meat manager make his budget and simultaneously helping a family make it another season. It feels good!”
Deanna Walenciak, Vice President, Domestic Brand Marketing
Certified since 1996
Deanna leads the areas of customer marketing solutions, brand experience and The Culinary Center with a passion to engage and elevate partners and help them maximize the power of the brand.
“It is energizing to see the momentum build and innovation explode with our partners at The Culinary Center, events and today online around a shared passion to market the best Angus beef.”
Kelly Murray, Assistant Director, Restaurant Development
Certified since 2013
Kelly leads strategy and implementation of sales, marketing and training solutions for chain and independent restaurant customers, growing their businesses and reputations for the finest beef.
“Our partners, particularly restaurant operators, are some of the most resilient people. They have had the toughest year, yet we continue to hear of their fortitude. I’m confident they will forge ahead stronger than ever because that is just who they are: leaders who don’t quit.”
Sara Scott, Vice President, Foodservice
Certified since 2007
Sara is passionate about helping foodservice companies bring premium beef to chefs and consumers, and working with them to develop customized, merchandising, marketing and training.
“Being a connection for partners is a responsibility I take seriously, and I’m thankful to have the opportunity to be a voice in so many effective conversations.”
Wes Zimmerman, Executive Account Manager - Midwest
Certified since 2017
Wes develops and guides sales, marketing and training solutions for foodservice distributors, restaurants and key retailers with a constant focus on advising them to be increasingly successful.
“I get to serve the absolute best people in the world and make a difference in the lives of family farmers and ranchers, restaurants and the foodservice people who did what I did for so long. That means the world to me.”
Cathy McVay, Assistant Director, Account Marketing
Certified since 2016
Cathy is passionate about foodservice, restaurant and retail partners to grow customer loyalty and sales through innovative promotions, trainings and custom materials.
“What I love the most about working for the Certified Angus Beef ® brand is knowing that I directly contribute to the brand’s mission, but also the partnerships and friendships I’ve made with coworkers to ranchers to foodservice and retail partners.”
Ron Warner, Director, Foodservice
Certified since 2019
Ron designs and implements strategies for foodservice distributors to advance their sales, beef knowledge and consultation skills to deliver fresh beef and timesaving menu items to restaurateurs.
“This brand is a family. I truly believe each person associated with it knows and feels that—and that’s what makes our partnerships so strong.”
Bruce Cobb, Executive Vice President, Production
Certified since March 2020
Bruce leads strategies and conversations for family farmers to raise quality Angus cattle sustainably, securing their heritage for future generations and long-term supply for the brand and its partners.
“This brand is the pinnacle of value creation and collaboration in the beef industry. Each segment in the supply chain plays a part in solidifying the brand’s leadership position and fulfilling consumer expectations. There are winners up and down the supply chain!”
Amanda Barstow, Director, Brand Engagement
Certified since 1995
Amanda leads creative, proactive strategies to welcome new partners and set them up for success through branding and trademark use on menus, in stores, on materials, in media and beyond.
“I love the authenticity of the brand—from its science-based specifications and grassroots beginnings to its global reach today. There’s an energy in our community that promotes positivity and continuous improvement.”
Geof Bednar, Director, Business Development
Certified since 2004
Geof develops strategies and custom business solutions for specialty meat companies to excel, and spearheads the brand’s growing presence in ecommerce, meal kits, home delivery and pickup.
“In my life time, this is the only professional stop that allows me to devote my energies toward influencing all in our community—those raising cattle to those who trust our brand to remain relevant to their daily businesses—all with the focus of celebrating the ‘taste’ of the brand.”
Cody Jones, Vice President, International
Certified since 2015
Cody cultivates market-driven strategies that strengthen the success of international partners, growing brand awareness and customer loyalty to their businesses worldwide.
“When I think about how many great partners form their business and marketing strategies around the brand, it reminds me we are partnered with the best, most passionate people in the industry.”
Gebran Charbine, Vice President, International and Ethnic Brand Marketing
Certified since 2017
Gebran guides international partners to achieve sales, marketing and training success in their markets through innovative strategies that strengthen customer relationships and trust.
“I’ve never seen a brand that connects with consumers around the globe like this brand does. Whether umami, sabor or flavourful, whichever language you use, the Certified Angus Beef ® brand creates a memorable experience that is second to none.”
Tony Biggs, Director, Culinary Arts
Certified since 2014
Chef Tony leads culinary vision for the brand, elevating its presence on the plate and relevance to chefs and restaurateurs worldwide through innovation, media appearances and education.
“Working for the brand allows me to be as creative as I want to be. The meals my team and I prepare are the result of the brand trusting us to serve the best-in-class experiences for our guests.”
Peter Rosenberg, Corporate Chef
Certified since 2014
Chef Peter inspires new and current customers about best cuts for the menu and how to prepare them, helping them to put their best on the plate and embrace timesaving items for busy kitchens.
“I believe in the brand because it’s true to its principles and adheres strictly to all of the standards that define it.”
Ashley Breneman, Executive Chef
Certified since 2013
Chef Ashley, the lead chef at The Culinary Center, ensures guests enjoy an unforgettable culinary experience during their visits by presenting new menu ideas and complimentary flavors.
“Being a part of the brand family for the past seven years has allowed me the honor of connecting with people from all over the world. I love the fact that the logo I wear is represented and respected across the globe.”
Brad Parker, Assistant Chef
Certified since 2016
Chef Brad works with The Culinary Center team to prepare and serve unrivaled, creative dining experiences for guests.
“I love the brand, because its product is consistently great, and the people I get to work with and meet are great, too.”
Michael Ollier, Senior Corporate Chef
Certified since 2009
Chef Michael highlights beef recipes and cooking tips on a variety of media platforms while also assisting with educational demonstrations and connecting with other culinary aficionados.
“The 10 specifications ensure the consistent quality for which the brand is known, but it’s really the people with a variety in skillsets that play the biggest part in the brand’s success.”
Gavin Pinto, Test Kitchen Manager
Certified since 2017
Chef Gavin prepares new recipes and cooking tips to share with consumers, and plays active roles in media appearances and food styling.
“I believe in the brand, because I see how its team treats everyone. No matter who you are—partner, employee, etc.—the team always has your best interest in mind.”