National Swine Registry Adds Three New Team Members
Jeff Nemecek of Iola, Kansas, has been selected to serve the membership of the National Swine Registry as the Director of Field Services and Events. Jeff will oversee the field staff, plan, execute, and elevate National Swine Registry events, and represent breeders and stakeholders across the country.
“Jeff’s a natural fit to join the team at NSR,” Clay Zwilling, CEO of the National Swine Registry, said in a release. “His proven record of show management, passion for the swine industry, and decades of working with youth will be most beneficial to the mission and vision of our organization.”
Nemecek grew up in Checotah, Okla., on a registered Duroc operation. He attended Connors State College and later Kansas State University. Nemecek brings a wide variety of industry experience from Seaboard Farms, higher education and teaching at Dodge City Community College and Allen Community College in Kansas, marketing and sales with the High Plains Journal and Farm Talk, and most recently, the Livestock Event Manager at the American Royal. He and his wife, Carla, and two sons, Brody and Kyser, are active in the purebred swine industry and participate in shows nationwide.
Clay Parrish of Plain City, Ohio, will serve the National Swine Registry membership as the Outreach and Programs Manager. Clay will oversee the leadership and guidance of youth and emerging breeder programs, marketing and communications initiatives, and be tasked with elevating existing internal processes, procedures, and programs of the National Swine Registry.
“Clay’s enthusiasm, charisma, and past experience with the organization make him a valuable member of the NSR team,” Zwilling said in a release. “Clay’s demonstrated passion for the NJSA, purebred swine genetics, and natural ability to build relationships and rapport with stakeholders will be a tremendous asset to the NSR team.”
Parrish grew up on a multi-generational purebred Duroc operation in Edon, Ohio. He served as an Ohio FFA Association State Officer, and earned his degree in communications from the University of St. Francis. Parrish brings experience from The Maschhoffs, previously serving the NSR as the Eastern Region Field Representative, as well as working as an account manager for Hubbard and Show Rite brand feeds. Most recently, he led the Swine Division of Show Circuit Online Sales, overseeing the sales representatives and providing growth and strategy for the team.
Carin Vickrey of Warren, Ind., will be joining the National Swine Registry as the Youth Activities and Programs Manager. In her role, Carin will be vital in the enhancement and execution of the National Junior Swine Association (NJSA) and provide valuable experience to the nation’s largest junior livestock association.
“Carin is uniquely positioned to provide multiple levels of experience and perspective to NJSA,” Zwilling said in a release. “Her experiences as a show parent, volunteer, and advocate for the industry make her an ideal fit for this role.”
Vickrey and her husband, Bret, and their two grown children, Dalaney and Owen, operate a row crop and showpig operation near Warren, Ind. She has served in many volunteer capacities from the Indiana Yorkshires, National Swine Registry, and her family’s efforts in the “In it to End It” show series bringing awareness and funds to Cystic Fibrosis. Vickrey spent the last 22 years with Heritage Pointe Communities providing leadership and tactical training to their facilities and campus near Warren and Fort Wayne, Ind.
TechMix Hires Chris Allen as Swine Territory Sales Representative
TechMix has hired Chris Allen as Swine Territory Sales Representative. He joins TechMix with the last 18 years of his career focused in the swine industry. Over his career, Allen has guided the full scope of swine operations. From small, independent operations through large, integrated systems, Allen has partnered with these farms to identify products and management practices that fulfilled business objectives and were highly beneficial for enhancing pig welfare and performance, TechMix said in a release. Key to Allen’s career successes to date are his listening, communication, negotiation and problem-solving skill sets. He strives to deliver value—seeking to understand a producer’s challenges first and then bringing a solution in a timely manner.
Following 12 years of military service, Allen earned a degree in Animal Science from The Ohio State University. Upon graduation, he jump started his career in the swine genetics space. He has worked directly with operations across the Eastern Cornbelt and through Illinois and Iowa as Manager of Key Accounts and in Regional Account Management roles. He most recently worked as a county Extension educator through The Ohio State University, and his passion for helping swine operations directly achieve their goals is a driving factor for joining TechMix.
Veterinary Pharmaceutical Solutions Expands Its Team of Industry Experts by Five
Veterinary Pharmaceutical Solutions (“VPS”), a market leader in livestock pharmacy compounding, proudly welcomes five industry experts to its expanding team.
Bill Knoch joined the team as a Senior Account Executive, serving customers east of the Mississipi River. Knoch has a proven track record of leading high-performing teams and providing exceptional customer support and satisfaction. Bringing over two decades of experience, he is dedicated to achieving outstanding results through effective team collaboration and bringing new solutions to his customers.
VPS also welcomed Dylan Shaffer as a Senior Account Executive, serving all of Iowa as well as regions to the south and west of the state. Shaffer is an experienced account manager in the swine industry with a strong focus on providing quality solutions and support to best achieve customer goals. He brings years of experience to VPS and holds a bachelor’s degree in animal science from Iowa State University.
Michael Kreber entered the team as Director, Business Development and FP&A. Kreber’s exceptional track record in client engagement and his experience with mergers and acquisitions have been a key asset throughout VPS’s recent acquistion of Diamond Animal Health. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Iowa State University in agricultural business, economics and animal science and holds an MBA from Minnesota State University.
Keith Bretey, DVM, joined VPS as a Technical Services Manager. Bretey has over two decades of experience in veterinary medicine and technical services. His extensive knowledge of the swine industry and animal health makes him an outstanding resource for the company’s clients. Bretey holds a bachelor’s degree from Briar Cliff College and DVM from Iowa State University.
Trevor Goodwin joined the team as Chief Financial Officer. Goodwin is a process-driven, strategic finance leader who brings a wealth of experience spanning diverse industries, such as digital health, medical devices, food, heavy industrials and chemicals. He holds an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.
