EVOLVING LEADERSHIP
LONGTIME CALIFORNIA MARKETING ADVOCATE SELECTED AS FUTURE CEO OF LIVESTOCK MARKETING ASSOCIATION by CCA Associate Director of Communications Maureen LaGrande
For the last 19 years, Forrest Mangan, Galt, has served as one of the region executive officers for the Livestock Marketing Association (LMA) covering the western United States and Canada. Now, Mangan is preparing to take on the position of CEO for the Association. Mangan comes from a small ranching family in the foothills of Northern California and grew up taking livestock to the auction yards in Galt and Escalon. He went on to pursue a degree at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, and upon his graduation, he stayed in San Luis Obispo for two years and served as the coach of the university’s livestock judging team. Wrapping up another judging season and looking for a new adventure, Mangan received a call from LMA Chief Executive Officer Mark Mackey regarding an open position. “Within a week, I was in Kansas City for an interview, and soon after, traveling the West meeting our auction members,” said Mangan. Since then, Mangan has continued to serve the western states’ livestock markets. In his early beginnings, he covered seven states, and as time has progressed, he now covers 11 states and Canada. With over 120 member auctions and livestock dealers in his territory, Mangan has stayed busy meeting with and advocating for market
20 California Cattleman May/June 2025
owners. LMA’s office is located in Overland Park, Kans., along with the majority of the staff. Daily, staff members work with the auction markets they represent. This work includes visiting their membership and providing them with services they need, whether that be legal issues, regulatory issues, employee training, business policies, technology support or insurance services. To ensure that their members receive the best advice and representation possible, LMA has various departments within their organization, including finance and administration, government and industry affairs, legal assistance services, risk mitigation, insurance services, membership services and region executive officers. Mangan shared that the office staff has continuously been there to back him as he has worked on the road. “I would have never been as successful without the support in the Kansas City office,” said Mangan. In addition to Mangan, there