Discover the leadership transition at Holstein Association USA as COO Lindsey Worden prepares to succeed CEO John Meyer. How will this change shape the future?

Holstein Association USA (HAUSA) has announced a significant leadership transition. John M. Meyer, the current Chief Executive Officer (CEO), will be retiring on December 31st, leaving space for Lindsey Worden, the Chief Operating Officer (COO), to follow him as the next CEO beginning January 1, 2025. This change represents a turning point for the company, which Meyer has been guiding for the last 23 years. Having served with HAUSA for 17 years, Lindsey Worden will be the 10th Executive Secretary since its founding in 1885. The world’s biggest dairy breed organization is projected to see ongoing success from the flawless changeover.

John M. Meyer: A Legacy of Growth and Innovation at Holstein Association USA 

Under John M. Meyer’s 23-year leadership, Holstein Association USA reached several benchmarks and saw significant expansion. Meyer committed himself to raising Holstein cow genetic potential and profitability. He instituted cutting-edge mating procedures and sophisticated genetic projects, including genomic testing. Meyer also added more goods and services to the Association, helping dairy companies worldwide. His efforts confirmed HAUSA’s ranking as the biggest dairy breed association worldwide, therefore guaranteeing a bright future for 25,000 members.

The conference in which CEO John M. Meyer revealed his retirement intentions was emotional. Meyer told HAUSA President Jonathan Lamb and Vice President John Burket his intention to retire by the year’s end, giving time for transition preparation.

Following Meyer’s speech, the emphasis shifted to the next generation of leaders. Following a protracted interview process, the HAUSA Board of Directors selected COO Lindsey Worden to take over beginning January 1, 2025. President Lamb valued the Board’s deliberate approach, guaranteeing a seamless transfer and ongoing success for HAUSA.

Celebrating Past Leadership and Embracing a Promising Future

HAUSA President Jonathan Lamb said in the statement made by the board of directors, “I want to congratulate John Meyer for his 23 years of committed service. His efforts have shaped the success of the Holstein Association USA. Lindsey Worden’s capacity to guide the company forward excites us equally. Her great background and dedication to our cause make her the perfect replacement.

Lindsey Worden, a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison who also works in the dairy business as the Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding Board Chair, National Pedigrained Livestock Council Director, and Councilor on the World Holstein Friesian Federation, said, “I am humbled to follow in John’s footsteps and have been grateful to work alongside him and witness many of the significant achievements our organization has enjoyed under his leadership.” Her upcoming promotion marks Respect and honoring of our organization’s rich legacy; I am privileged to be chosen as Holstein Association USA’s new CEO and am eager to negotiate the possibilities and challenges that will drive us into the future.

When John Meyer reflected on the smooth change, he said, “I’m happy about it. For the last 17 years, Lindsey and I have collaborated well as partners. Seeing Lindsey’s amazing development at the Association from undergraduate intern to CEO has been fun. Meyer stressed his faith in Worden’s leadership. He said, “Lindsey, along with HAUSA’s outstanding Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer Barbara Casna, and I will continue to work closely together, and with the HAUSA Board of Directors, to ensure the continuity of the transition along with the continuous success of HAUSA.” Meyer noted the teamwork, “Moreover, I’m also happy for the Holstein team, including staff, the Board of Directors, Association members, and the dairy industry at large.”

Having collaborated with Meyer for more than 16 years, Worden brings a lot of knowledge and expertise to her new position. Her tight cooperation with Casna, the company’s Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer with twenty-one years of experience, guarantees a degree of financial control vital for such a major change. This cooperation assures HAUSA’s stability and readiness for future expansion and creative output.

Meyer, Worden, and CFO Barbara Casna work closely to guarantee a seamless transfer, whose combined experience and skills ensure the HAUSA Board of Directors’ active participation, which helps reinforce this cooperative effort. Together, they want to preserve the continuity and prosperity of the most significant dairy breed association worldwide. Using every leader’s abilities helps the team ensure HAUSA stays strong both during and after the change. Meyer emphasizes the value of teamwork and notes that this group effort includes the “entire Holstein team, including staff, the Board of Directors, Association members, and the dairy industry at large.”

Under the direction of President Jonathan Lamb, the HAUSA Board of Directors is essential at this time of transition. Overseeing the whole change process has been much aided by the Board’s strategic vision and determination. Involving many stakeholders, their cooperative approach shows a dedication to openness and accuracy.

The Bottom Line

The transition in leadership from John M. Meyer to Lindsey Worden marks a pivotal moment for the Holstein Association USA (HAUSA) and its members. This change not only celebrates the remarkable legacy of Meyer’s 23 years of service but also heralds a future guided by Worden’s fresh perspective and extensive industry expertise. Under new leadership, HAUSA continues to position itself as a leader in the dairy industry, striving for enhanced genetics and improved profitability for its members. With Worden at the helm, the association looks forward to navigating upcoming opportunities and challenges while honoring its rich history. 

Visit HAUSA’s official website to learn more about its programs and how they can benefit your dairy operation. You can also stay updated by following its social media platforms, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Key Takeaways:

• HAUSA CEO John M. Meyer to retire on December 31st, succeeded by COO Lindsey Worden from January 1, 2025.
• CEO retirement plans were shared with HAUSA President Jonathan Lamb and VP John Burket well in advance.
• After a comprehensive interview, Lindsey Worden was selected as CEO, becoming the 10th Executive Secretary since 1885.
• Lindsey Worden holds multiple positions within the dairy industry and is a University of Wisconsin-Madison graduate.
• Meyer praises Worden’s growth and their 17-year partnership, welcoming the transition.
• Meyer expresses gratitude to the HAUSA team and the whole dairy industry, ensuring a smooth transition alongside CFO Barbara Casna.
• Holstein Association USA serves around 25,000 members, enhancing dairy genetics and profitability through various programs and services.

Summary:

Holstein Association USA (HAUSA) is set to change its leadership after John M. Meyer, who has been its CEO for 23 years, retires. The new CEO, Lindsey Worden, will take over on January 1, 2025. Meyer’s tenure has seen HAUSA grow significantly, focusing on increasing Holstein cow genetic potential and profitability. He introduced advanced mating procedures and genetic projects, including genomic testing, and expanded the Association’s offerings to support dairy companies worldwide. HAUSA’s ranking as the largest dairy breed association worldwide ensures a bright future for its 25,000 members. Worden, a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding Board Chair, expressed her humbleness and eagerness to follow in Meyer’s footsteps.