NJAA Board of Directors
The National Junior Angus Association Board of Directors offers leadership development beyond the boundaries of local or state groups. Six new directors are elected to the twelve-member board each year at the annual meeting held in conjunction with the National Junior Angus Show.
MEET YOUR NJAA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Mary Wood
Mary Wood, from the Tarheel state of North Carolina, is the daughter of Jeff and DeEtta Wood. She is a sixth-generation Angus breeder who grew up raising and showing Angus cattle with her family. Mary has always had a passion for the Angus breed. She has been active in both the North Carolina Junior Angus Association and the NJAA. Mary is currently a senior at Oklahoma State University where she is studying Agricultural Communications and Leadership. After graduation, she intends to build a career advocating for the agriculture industry through working with beef producers and consumers. Mary also plans to continue to give back to the Angus breed following her junior career. As a member of the NJAB she plans to encourage junior members to take advantage of the opportunities the NJAA provides.
Jonwyn Ayres
Jonwyn Ayres hails from way out west in the state of Oregon. A third-generation Angus breeder, she understands the importance of the next generation of Angus producers having the tools to be equipped for their futures. Jonwyn is attending Oklahoma State University while competing on their livestock judging team. She is working toward an undergraduate degree in animal science pre-law with the intent to go to law school. She plans to raise Angus cattle with her family while specializing in water, and environmental law. Her passion lies in advocating for cattle’s positive effect on the climate and answering consumer questions.
Kyli Kraft
Kyli Kraft is a fifth-generation cattlewoman from the mile-high state of Colorado with a background in diversified farming and cattle operation. Her active involvement with the Colorado Junior Angus Association and the NJAA has given her a deep understanding of the industry and a strong passion for the Business Breed. Currently a senior at West Texas A&M University in Canyon, TX, where she studies Agribusiness, Kyli is set to graduate in December. After graduation, she will transition into a career as a credit analyst with a branch of the Farm Credit Association.
Suter Clark
Suter Clark born and raised in the commonwealth of Virginia. He is the son of Gretchen and Timothy Clark and brother of J. Gordon Clark who served as the 2023 Vice Chairman of the National Junior Angus Board. Suter has been involved in the National Junior Angus Association and the Virginia Junior Angus Association since 2014. He is pursuing a degree in animal science with a minor in construction management at Oklahoma State University and plans to graduate in the spring of 2026. After college Suter would love to return home and help his family with their show cattle operation as well as the family business.
Alli Perry
Coming from the Music City state of Tennessee is Alli Perry, daughter of Jonathan and Jackie Perry. Alli’s involvement with Angus cattle sparked her interest in the NJAA. Alli has been involved in the National Junior Angus Association and Tennessee Junior Angus Association since 2014. She is a Junior at Oklahoma State University where she is pursuing a degree in Animal Science. She plans to further her degree in Nutrition. With a goal to continue the constant progression of the cattle industry, she hopes to one day work as an nutritionist while continuing to stay involved with the Angus breed.
Sawyer Styles
Sawyer Styles, coming to us from the Rushmore state of South Dakota, is the daughter of Chris and Erica Styles. Growing up as a fourth generation Angus breeder alongside her sister Madison Styles, she has been involved in the South Dakota Junior Angus Association as well as the National Junior Angus Association since she was 8 years old. Sawyer is currently studying Animal Science with an Industry Relations Specialization at South Dakota State University. She is also pursuing minors in Agriculture Business and Agribusiness Marketing. After college, Sawyer plans to pursue her Angus passion working on her family farm and ranch.
Anne Dameron
Anne Dameron, from the state of Illinois, is a fourth-generation Angus breeder. She is the daughter of Jeff and Jennifer Dameron. Anne has been actively involved in her family operation, the Illinois Junior Angus Association, and the NJAA from a young age. She is currently a sophomore at the University of Illinois where she is studying Animal Science with a Pre-Medical concentration. She plans to attend medical school upon completion of her undergraduate degree. Whilst pursuing a career in the medical field, Anne also wants to continue being involved in her family’s cattle business.
Ava Leibfried
Ava Leibfried is a third-generation Angus breeder from Platteville, Wisconsin. She is the daughter of Nick and Jessica Leibfried. She has been an active member of the National Junior Angus Association and the Wisconsin Junior Angus Association since 2017. Ava is currently a sophomore studying Agricultural Business at Iowa State University. Ava's long-term aspirations include working in commodities trading or analysis, where she can contribute to the growth and stability of agricultural markets while also managing her family's Angus operation.
Blake Pillars
Hi, my name is Blake Pillars from Martin, Michigan. I am a first-generation Angus breeder that grew up on a dairy farm that fell in love with the Business Breed. Currently, I am a sophomore at Northern Oklahoma College (NOC) in Tonkawa, OK, where I am pursuing a bachelor’s degree in agriculture business. While attending NOC I am competing on the livestock judging team. After college I am happy to say I can’t wait to get back out on the ranch and work cattle as that is where my passion lies. As always go Mavs!
Bryanna Smith
Bryanna Smith, from the Bluegrass state of Kentucky, is the daughter of Henry Bryan and Melissa Smith. She is a fifth generation Angus producer alongside her brother, Blane, enjoys showing Angus cattle and raising quality Angus bulls on their family operation of Smithland Angus Farm. Bryanna has been an active member of the National Junior Angus Association and Kentucky Junior Angus Association since 2010. Bryanna is a sophomore at the University of Kentucky, dual-majoring in Agricultural Economics and Agricultural Business with minors in Marketing and Agricultural Education.
Catie Collison
From small town Lake City, Iowa, Catie Collison is the daughter of Drs. Vince and Jane Collison. She is a second-generation Angus breeder and continues to exhibit and produce Angus cattle while staying busy helping alongside her family’s large animal veterinary clinic, Collison Embryo and Veterinary Services. Catie is a junior at Iowa State University where she is studying Animal Science on a pre-veterinary track. After graduation, she plans to attend veterinary school at Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine where she will maintain her focus on food animal medicine. She plans to help continue the legacy of her family’s veterinary business and help provide services to many farmers and seedstock producers.
Grant Solem
My name is Grant Solem and I am from Los Olivos, California. I am a fourth-generation coastal California rancher where, alongside my family, we raise Angus cattle and performance horses. Growing up I was involved within the California Junior Angus Association, which fueled my drive to become more active in the NJAA. Currently, I am a senior at Oklahoma State University, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in animal science. Upon graduation, I plan on applying to vet school and furthering my education as well as staying involved with the Angus breed.
Green coats - coast to coast
This program allows NJAA Board members to create and build stronger State Angus Associations.
Interested in having a National Junior Angus Board Director come to your Angus show, conference or event? Access the resources below to get started!
MEET YOUR NJAA ADVISORS
Responsibilities of the junior board
The NJAA Board members develop and carry out programs and events to serve the junior members, and promote the Angus breed. They attend NJAA Board meetings at which ideas and programs, both new and old, are discussed, and decisions concerning NJAA activities are made. NJAA Board members are also expected to attend and help organize various shows, field days, and conferences where junior members participate.
Junior Board Candidates
To become a candidate for the junior board, junior members must be elected by their state association. Once elected, a state advisor must submit their name in writing (via email, fax, or mail) to the Events and Junior Activities Director. The application packet will then be sent to the junior board candidate.
Past Junior Board Members
|
Nicole |
Stevenson |
MT |
|
J. Gordon |
Clark |
VA |
|
Kinsey |
Crowe |
OH |
|
Marcie |
Harward |
NC |
|
Kathryn |
Coleman |
CA |
|
Avery |
Dull |
MD |
|
Alexandria |
Cozzitorto |
KS |
|
Eric |
Schafer |
IL |
|
Walker |
McDermott |
IA |
|
Josh |
Jasper |
KY |
|
Garrett |
Schuering |
MO |
|
Cutter |
Pohlman |
TX |
|
Nicholas |
Pohlman |
AR |
|
Daniel |
Rohrbaugh |
PA |
|
Kelsey |
Vejraska |
WA |
|
Megan |
Pelan |
MD |
|
Reagan |
Skow |
NE |
|
Justin |
Wood |
NC |
|
Tyler |
Bush |
SD |
|
Baxter |
Knapp |
IA |
|
Caroline |
Cowles |
KY |
|
Dylan |
Denny |
TX |
|
Grady |
Dickerson |
KS |
|
Keegan |
Cassady |
IL |
|
Sydnee |
Gerken |
OK |
|
Madison |
Sundsbak |
ND |
|
Hayley |
DeHaan |
OR |
|
Broderic |
Fitzgerald |
PA |
|
Dawson |
Dal Porto |
CA |
|
Jera |
Pipkin |
MO |
Contact Us
Feel free to stop by if you're in the area, give us a call or send us an email. We would love to hear from you!
Subscribe to our NJAA email
We'll keep you in the loop with all things related to the National Junior Angus Association!
