Aimpoint Research Welcomes Ken Gilliam as Fusion Leader
Aimpoint Research, a global, strategic intelligence firm, welcomes Col. (retired) Ken Gilliam, former director of strategic wargaming at the U.S. Army War College, to the team as fusion leader. He will play a pivotal role in leading the integration of multiple complex market research and competitive intelligence projects for clients and help meet increasing demand for Aimpoint Research wargames, the company said in a release.
“Fusion Leaders are at the center of our intelligence integration as we serve clients across the entire agri-food value chain,” Brett Sciotto, Aimpoint Research founder and CEO, said in a release. “Ken brings a wealth of experience in strategic thinking, integrated intelligence, leadership, wargaming and much more. Our organization and our clients will benefit greatly from his perspective and analysis and I could not be more excited to have him join our team.”
Gilliam grew up in a farm community in South Georgia surrounded by watermelons, peanuts, cotton and cattle. After graduating from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, he embarked on a 27-year military career in the U.S. Army. In addition to serving as the director of strategic wargaming, Gilliam was the founding associate editor of the Wargaming Room, a U.S. Army War College online journal and podcast.
“Wargaming is one among many tools used to explore the art and science of decision-making, especially in situations where uncertainty and the unknown are the dominant factors,” he said.
Gilliam has been with Aimpoint Research since March 2021 under the U.S. Army’s Career Skills Program.
Ohio Pork Council Welcomes Curt Ashcraft
The Ohio Pork Council announces the hiring of Curt Ashcraft as the organization’s next Communication Director beginning June 1. In this position, Ashcraft will be at the forefront of all communication, marketing, and educational efforts for the Ohio Pork Council, including all management of social media, content, and promotions for the organization.
“We are excited to welcome Curt to our team, leading the marketing and communication effort for the organization,” said Cheryl Day, executive vice president of the Ohio Pork Council. “His experience and creativity will assist Ohio pig farmers find new and innovative ways to promote healthy,
wholesome pork.”
Ashcraft comes to the Ohio Pork Council with a number of experiences that are rooted in the world of agriculture. Growing up on a grain farm and rural community in Knox County, Ashcraft spent his youth as a member of 4-H, as well as the National FFA Organization. During his four years in the Fredericktown FFA Chapter, Ashcraft was involved in parliamentary procedure, public speaking, and was a member of one of the top meat science programs in the state, the Ohio Pork Council said in a release.
“I couldn’t be more excited to accept the opportunity of a lifetime with the Ohio Pork Council,” Ashcraft said in a release. “My passion for the pork industry is an easy match for the career in communication that I have been lucky to build and look to continue to grow with the OPC. I want to thank the Ohio Pork Council and Cheryl Day for their belief in me and their support moving forward.”
Miller and Tipton Named 2021 Pork Institute Scholars
The 2021 University of Missouri Pork Institute, sponsored by the University of Missouri College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources and the Missouri Pork Association, was held June 14 through June 16 in Columbia. The Institute was a three-day educational event for high school students interested in the pork industry.
Students enjoyed a tour of Central Missouri Meat & Sausage, the University of Missouri Feed Mill, and attended many educational sessions focused on areas such as: biosecurity, carcass and meat quality, nutrition, and artificial insemination. They were also introduced to a variety of career opportunities within the pork industry, the Missouri Pork Association said in a release. At the end of their trip, students took a written exam covering all the information learned. The students with the top two scores were each awarded a scholarship.
Kelsey Miller and Tanner Tipton were each awarded a $500 scholarship to attend the University of Missouri-Columbia upon completion of high school. Miller resides in Jonesburg, Mo., and will graduate from Warrenton High School in 2023. Tipton resides in Milan, Mo., and is a recent graduate of Green City High School. She plans to attend North Central Missouri College for one year before transferring to the University of Missouri to major in Agriculture Communications.
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