Greene Retires from GENEX Board
“Paul’s ability to engage the entire board in open discussion is a true talent.” Keith Heikes, GENEX COO
Chief Operating Officer Keith Heikes (left) thanks retiring board president Paul Greene (right) for his years of service.
During the January 25 annual meeting of GENEX, Paul Greene of Berlin, New York, retired as board president. His last president’s address paints a picture of his first years as a board member, the changes he’s seen in the A.I. industry and the opportunities members have when running for a position on the board. Paul states, “In 1996 I was elected to the Eastern A.I. board of directors, a predecessor of GENEX. Eastern A.I. was a regional cooperative headquartered in Ithaca, New York. In 1996, one of our major board room discussions was about structure – how to grow and expand the cooperative. At that time, a herd with 1,000 cows was considered a mega herd. Sexed semen was only a vision; if you wanted a heifer calf you had a 50:50 chance. The term ‘young sire’ was an unproved bull whose semen was sold to progeny test herds. And, we could recite the credentials on nearly every bull in the stud. “Many things have changed in the 20 years I have been on the board of directors. By far the two greatest events to impact the A.I. industry were sorted semen and genomics. These two topics have impacted nearly every aspect of GENEX. Sire housing had to be revamped,
production schedules were analyzed and the Genetics Department responsibilities were completely reevaluated. Sorted semen and genomics have forced us to initiate a structure driven by economics and production. “The industry is on the front end of many other technology developments. I firmly believe our purchase of the CRI International Center for Biotechnology will provide us with the ability to maximize research capabilities. “I would like each of you to consider running for the GENEX board of directors. Yes, you will have to manage things a little differently at home, but the things you learn and the opportunities you have will be nothing short of amazing. I know they were for me for the last 20 years.” Before the crowd of delegates, GENEX Chief Operating Officer Keith Heikes commended Paul for his years of service. “Paul has been a steady hand at the wheel, and I certainly have appreciated his guidance and input. Paul’s ability to engage the entire board in open discussion is a true talent.” Elected to fill the director position left by Paul is Israel Handy, a dairy producer from St. Johnsville, New York.
Following the annual meeting, the GENEX board elected the executive team: John Ruedinger President
Bobby Robertson 1st Vice President
Harold House 2nd Vice President
Ron Totten Secretary HORIZONS
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