Angus veteran Jim Shirley announced his retirement from the American Angus Association®, effective July 31.

“He’s been a great asset to this organization for 24 years,” said American Angus Association CEO Bryce Schumann. “We want to recognize and applaud that service. We’re going to miss him. I’m going to miss him.”

Shirley currently serves as vice president of industry relations and director of activities. In that position he has overseen administration of activities, junior activities, industry and member communications, and the regional manager field team. He has played a major role in the development of AngusSource® as a USDA Process-Verified Program (PVP) and in furthering member communications through vehicles such as the Outreach Seminars and Cattlemen’s Boot Camps.

The Southern Iowa native was promoted to his current position in May 2004 after serving 19 years as a regional manager for Minnesota, Nebraska and South Dakota. He was honored with the Top Livestock Marketeer Award by his peers at the 2001 National Western Stock Show in Denver.

Shirley says he has enjoyed working with Angus members and assisting in the progress they have made during his tenure, noting a marked increase in the quality and depth of quality in the breed that is available today.

“You used to see a few good Angus bulls that could combine phenotype with the data to back it up,” he says. “Today you can find those really good Angus cattle all over.”