FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact:                        Polly Ruhland, 303-850-3394 or pruhland@beef.org     Johnson Hired as NCBA Vice President, Owner-Member Services   Denver, Colo. (Oct. 8, 2009)—Industry veteran Todd Johnson has been tapped as the new vice president of Owner-Member Services at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA). Johnson, currently with the Kansas Beef Council, will join NCBA in January.   NCBA’s producer leaders recently created an organizational strategic plan to better serve members, and NCBA CEO Forrest Roberts subsequently re-aligned staff to better execute the plan, and created the Owner-Member Services department. As its name implies, Owner-Member Services will provide value and services for all types of NCBA’s owner-members, including producer and feeder members, state cattlemen’s affiliates and state beef councils. Johnson will lead the team, and will also serve on NCBA’s senior leadership team.   Johnson comes to NCBA with a wealth of experience. In 1995, Johnson joined the staff at NCBA affiliate Kansas Livestock Association (KLA), and until 2004 he coordinated membership recruitment efforts and worked as part of the government relations team. In 2004 Johnson joined the staff of the Kansas Beef Council as executive director. Prior to KLA, he worked at the American Hereford Association as director of youth activities.   Johnson was raised on a commercial cow/calf and backgrounding operation in Central Kansas, and holds a degree in Agricultural Economics and Animal Sciences from Kansas State University. He remains engaged in the family farm with his parents and brother’s family.   “NCBA always seeks and engages the best talent in the business and Todd is no exception,” says NCBA CEO Forrest Roberts. “His beef industry background and association experience will make a direct and immediate impact on the key leadership role he is taking within his new team. I am confident that he will lead this team to quick and efficient execution of our volunteer leaders’ strategic plan and provide excellent and innovative value to our owner-members.”   ###  The National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) has represented America's cattle producers since 1898, preserving the heritage and strength of the industry through education and public policy.  As the largest association of cattle producers, NCBA works to create new markets and increase demand for beef.  Efforts are made possible through membership contributions. To join, contact NCBA at 1-866-BEEF-USA or membership@beef.org.