The American Gelbvieh Association (AGA) Board of Directors unanimously voted to hire Harold Bertz of Mayview, Missouri, as the Association's next Executive Director.

Bertz recently served as the chief operating officer of the American Royal in Kansas City, Missouri. He previously worked for the Red Angus Association of America for nearly 10 years focusing on growing the acceptance of Red Angus cattle with commercial cow/calf producers and feedyards.

"Harold brings with him great leadership, marketing expertise and understanding of the cattle industry, along with a clear vision of where Gelbvieh and Balancer® cattle fit the industry," said Lori Maude, President of the AGA Board of Directors. "We are excited to have Harold leading the association and setting a solid path forward for the breed in a quickly changing beef industry."

"I am honored and excited to serve this great breed and its members," said Harold Bertz, American Gelbvieh Association Executive Director. "The Association has a rich history, innovative members constantly striving to improve Gelbvieh and Balancer cattle, and a talented, vibrant staff. With these key elements, I have unlimited enthusiasm and optimism for our future."

The Bertz family farm near Mayview has been in the family for seven generations, He and his wife, Melisa, are also involved with her family's farm near Parker, Kansas. They have two grown children that are active in the beef industry.