PERSONNEL PROFILES

Editor’s note: Over the coming months we will be reinstating the Personnel Profiles column to introduce readers to new faces at ASA and ASA Publication, and to provide updates on staff who have been with ASA for some time.

ASA’s Director Team

Jackie Atkins, PhD, director, Science and IGS Operations

Dr. Jackie Atkins is a native of Mandan, North Dakota, and grew up working at her family’s veterinary clinic and commercial cow-calf operation. In 2002, she graduated with a BS in biotechnology from Montana State University. Atkins attended the University of Missouri, earning an MS and a PhD in animal science with an emphasis in reproductive physiology in beef cattle under Dr. Michael F. Smith. After graduate school, she worked as an embryologist for Dr. Chuck Gue at Progenesis Embryo Transfer, based in Belgrade, Montana.

In 2013, Atkins joined the team at the American Simmental Association as the director of science and education, later adding managing editor, and now serves as the director of science and IGS operations. In her time with the ASA and IGS, she has worked closely with research, data collection, and member education. Atkins has coordinated the Carcass Merit Program; helped in advancing DNA technology; promoted member education through articles, speaking engagements, and webinars; developed genomic research programs; coordinated other research projects; and provided leadership for the IGS genetic evaluation team and collaborators.

Mia Bayer, director, Youth Programs and Foundation Manager

Mia Bayer, Ringle, Wisconsin, works as the Youth Programs and Foundation Manager for ASA. Bayer has extensive experience in breed association programs, and has organized national shows and youth events. For ten years, she served as the Junior Board advisor for Junior Red Angus events; in this role, she increased event attendance through active outreach and marketing.

Bayer also has an extensive background in the beef industry. As an owner of Country Lane Farms, she and her family run 150 head of Red Angus and Angus cattle. She also spent many

Luke Bowman, director, SimGenetic Development

Luke Bowman began working for ASA in 2016. He has worked with several of ASA’s programs, including Progress Through Performance (PTP). Today, he is the director of SimGenetic Development, traveling extensively across the US and world. Bowman grew up in Indiana, graduating from Purdue University with a degree in agricultural education. He went on to teach high school agriculture for over five years. Bowman also consulted at bull sales and was recruited by Select Sires to train staff on beef cattle breeding and genetic evaluation.

years as owner and manager of Country Fresh Meats, which involved all aspects of business, including managing finances and coordinating a team of employees.

Bayer has served a number of organizations, including the Wisconsin Junior Angus Association as an advisor, the Marathon County Ag Society as a fair board member, the Marathon County Partnership for Progressive Agriculture on the board of directors, and in 2020 she was an executive committee member for the Wisconsin Livestock Expo.

This led to dealing with breed associations and attending several association membership animal breeding conferences. Bowman had long wanted to work for a beef breed association to fulfill his passion for teaching people how to breed more profitable cattle. This piqued his interest in the science efforts of ASA, and he made a point to tell Dr. Wade Shafer that he wanted to know when a position at ASA opened up. Bowman has two kids, Oscar and Georgia, who he loves teaching about animals and nature.