COUNCIL COMMUNICATOR
CALIFORNIA BEEF COUNCIL ADDS A NEW TEAM MATE TO SERVE YOU from the California Beef Council For the California Beef Council (CBC), 2022 began with some changes and additions to the team. In early January, the organization welcomed Makenzie Neves as the new manager of producer communications and engagement. Born and raised in the Central Valley, Neves comes from a California dairy family. She recently earned her master’s degree in agricultural communications from Texas Tech University, and previously earned her bachelor’s degree in communication studies and public relations from California State University, Sacramento. A former California Dairy Princess, Makenzie has always been passionate about cattle and agriculture. “As a third-generation agriculturalist, I’m thrilled to join the California Beef Council,” Neves said. “I grew up admiring these producers, and I’m looking forward to working with them and continuing strong relationships between the CBC and California’s beef producers.” Neves also plans to find new, innovative ways to reach more producers. “We are excited to add Makenzie to our staff as our point-person for producer education and engagement. Her background in the dairy industry will add a new dimension to the position as we move forward into 2022,” said Bill Dale, executive director of the CBC. In addition to the newest team member, the CBC also welcomed a new executive committee for 2022, with Cindy Tews of Fresno serving as chair for the coming year. Tews, who represents the range sector on the 44 California Cattleman February 2022
council, comes into the role on the heels of Tom Barcellos, who provided leadership and guidance as chair during 2021. Serving as vice chair and representing the packer sector is Steven Maxey of Fresno. Joining Tews and Maxey on the executive committee are Mike Williams (Acton) representing the range sector, Frank Gambonini (Petaluma) and Jarred Mello (Escalon) representing the dairy sector, and Mike Sulpizio (Brawley) and Craig Finster (Coalinga) representing the feeder sector. Barcellos (Porterville), who also represents the dairy sector, remains as an ex-officio member of the committee. The CBC also welcomed new members to its board, including Lizette Cisneros (Hanford) from the feeder sector, and dairy representatives Frank Nunes (Tulare), William Vanbeek (Tipton) and Frank Mendonsa (Tulare). The CBC board is comprised of 42 members and alternates, each MAKENZIE NEVES appointed by the California Secretary of Agriculture. Both the executive To learn more about the CBC and its committee and the programs and efforts carried out in full council represent 2021, a comprehensive program update all segments of from the organization’s December beef production annual meeting is now available at: within California, https://www.calbeef.org/beefincluding range producer. cattle, dairy cattle, There, producers can view the CBC feeders, packers/ processers and the staff presentation from the meeting, general public. Visit view campaign elements and videos https://www.calbeef. produced throughout 2021, and gain org/about/board-ofmore insight into how their Beef directors for a list of Checkoff dollars are put to work on the full board.
their behalf.
