CCA President tips his hat in farewell address

by 2019-2020 CCA President Mark Lacey

The year 2020 has been one that I think most of us been involved in CCA for would like to forget. Except I think it is a year that will quite awhile I have watched live in infamy, for more reasons than I can list. 2020 is also slate after slate of officers bittersweet for me because it is the end of my journey come and go all the while I as a CCA officer. The last six years have been one of the was gaining an appreciation most rewarding experiences of my life, and it almost didn’t for the time, and energy happen. they invested trying to

The “Big Circle” as I call it started when I was about protect ranching. two years old. I was standing by the corrals with my mother when my father came riding up. I was old enough to recognize my father, but not old enough to know he was a cowboy. At that moment I knew that what he was is exactly what I wanted to be. Little did I know he wanted the same thing, at least I think he did. Anyway it’s my story so we’ll go with that. The facts aren’t as important as the result which is five decades later I have been blessed to live and work in the cattle business where I have had the pleasure to meet, and work with some of the most incredible people in the world. I mentioned previously that I almost didn’t have the chance to become a CCA officer. To start with, (some may not believe this) at no point when writing my lifetime goals did I list being CCA President, as a matter of fact I declined to be interviewed on two different occasions for family reasons. Then about seven years ago I was in Visalia for a California Beef Council meeting not really thinking about CCA because I was sliding into age 50, and I thought

During that time my father impressed upon me the that window had closed. However, timing can be a funny value of the California Cattlemen's Association and the role thing in the sense that jumping off a moving merry-go- it plays in protecting ranching as well as the contributions round is much different than jumping on. Anyway, CCA that all the past officers have made. Since our family has Executive Vice President Billy Gatlin sees me and asks if I have time for a chat? During that conversation Billy told me he had some ideas about how to make CCA even better and more effective. I was inspired by what Billy had to say, and it reinvigorated my interest in CCA. So, as much as anyone, Billy Gatlin is responsible for my opportunity to contribute, and to fulfill the one CCA goal I did have which was to pay the debt of service I owed to all those that went before me. Well this is the end of the trail for me, and there are many people that helped get me here that I need to acknowledge. First, my wife Brenda, daughters Molly and Katie. Without their support I wouldn’t have done it. My parents John and Dee, their example made a lasting impression on me. My two extremely hardworking loyal employees and spouses Leo and Kim Hertz and Mark and Carolyn Leach without whom I definitely could not have done it. Also, Corky Torix who has driven our livestock truck for longer than I can remember and plus fills in on the

Mark Lacey, of Independence, takes the microphone as CCA President at ranch whenever I’m in a pinch. My lifelong friend the 2018 CCA & CCW Convention in Reno, Nev. Sherman Hannah who does everything from 6 California Cattleman December 2020

feeding my saddle horses to checking gates and water when I am gone.

To all the officers I have served with thank you for your commitment. This is especially true for current CCA First Vice President Tony Toso. I started the Fire subcommittee, and appointed Tony to chair it. He has done an outstanding job with a super group of people. All my committee chairs and vice chairs: Thank you for your service and I'm sorry that the COVID-19 pandemic interrupted our meetings.

To all the county associations, thank you for your hospitality. Frankly, getting out to in-person meetings is the most enjoyable part of the job. Plus, even in the digital age it seems to be the most effective way to provide information, while at the same time getting great feedback on ways we can improve.

Over the last six years I have really appreciated the opportunity to work with a tremendous staff. Naturally I’m biased, but I think we have one of the finest staffs in Sacramento.

First, our Director of Finance Lisa Brendlen who does an outstanding job with finances obviously, but also membership matters, coordinates all our events, and helps the officers with travel arrangements. Lisa, thank you for everything you do. I especially appreciate all the help you have provided me personally.

Kirk Wilbur our vice president of government affairs who is one of the hardest work individuals I know. I really appreciate his attention to detail and his preparedness. Kirk’s work ethic and dedication is a real asset to CCA. Kirk, thank you for all the great work you do on behalf of our members.

Katie Roberti our communications director is doing a wonderful job ramping up our electronic media and outreach. Over the last several years I have gone to Katie with dozens of ideas to provide our members with more information resources, and she has succeeded in implementing many of those ideas. Great job, Katie. Thank you for everything. And, go Dodgers!

Stevie Ipsen, our magazine editor, does an amazing job with our magazine. I think it surpasses other trade association publications in quality and content. Stevie has provided me space every month to submit a column and has reminded me every month that my column is due. Stevie, fantastic job. Thank you for all your help and edits.

Morgan Lyman hasn’t been with us long, but she making a great contribution by attending to our members needs and helping streamline procedures within the office. Thank you, Morgan.

Justin Oldfield was with me up until the end of 2019. Justin helped me tremendously over the years. Thanks, Justin.

Finally, Executive Vice President Billy Gatlin. In my opinion, Billy is a standout among other executives in Sacramento and among other state associations CCA works with. From his handling of association business matters to our government affairs strategies he does a fantastic job. I already explained the role Billy played in my opportunity to serve CCA. Billy it has been a great ride and I can’t thank you enough.

Last, but not least, I want to thank the CCA membership for allowing me this opportunity serve. I can’t think of a better job in the world than representing people I admire and respect. What makes it even more worthwhile is the notion that our members invest their time and money to help protect cattle ranching not only for our members, but all ranchers. To honor that contribution I’ll quote Churchill, “Never was so much owed by so many to so few.” I thank you and salute you. Merry Christmas and have a happy and healthy New Year.

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