Board - American Hereford Association

NATIONAL JUNIOR HEREFORD ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The NJHA Board is comprised of 12 individuals who serve three-year terms and govern the 4,100 member junior organization. Every year four board members are elected to three-year terms at the annual membership meeting which is held in conjunction with the Junior National Hereford Expo.

2026 – 2027 NJHA Board of Directors

Rylie Meinhardt

Chairman

Matt Bruns

Vice Chairman

Maddie Weaber

Communications Chair

Kendall Boatman

Membership Chair

Emma Ballinger

Fundraising Chair

Sarah Beth Callicott

Leadership Chair

Jordan Mitchem

Director

Gavin Rhode

Director

Aidyn Barber

Director

Amberlyn Christenbury

Director

Rhett Lehman

Director

Matalyn Martinson

Director

NJHA Director & Candidate Agreements & Requirements

Mission Statement: To create and promote enthusiasm for the Hereford breed while providing opportunities through leadership, education and teamwork thus ensuring a brighter future for youth and the cattle industry.

Candidate Guidelines Code of Conduct Board Agreement Bylaws State Delegate Guidelines

NORTHWEST REGION

2027 Available Positions – 3

Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Minnesota, Iowa

SOUTHWEST REGION

2027 Available Positions – 2

California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas

NORTHEAST REGION

2027 Available Positions – 2

Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Vermont, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Massachusetts

SOUTHEAST REGION

2027 Available Positions – 1

Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina

Steps to Becoming a Candidate

Submit a color photograph of yourself.
Design copy of 8×10 campaign flyer.
Obtain at least four letters of recommendation.
1,000-word essay – “My Goal as an NJHA Director.”
NJHA Director Nomination Form submitted by the state advisor.

2026 Requirements Following the Application

NJHA Candidate Briefing Meeting – June 3 @ 5 pm CT
NJHA Candidate Interviews* – June 10 @ 5 pm CT
NJHA Candidate Meet-Up – June 18 @ 5 pm CT

*Applicants are not considered official “candidates,” until the completion of their NJHA Candidate Interview and approval by NJHA Advisors. Official campaigning cannot begin until approval has been sent by the committee.