RAAA announces two staff promotions

The Red Angus Association of America is pleased to announce two staff promotions within its communications and DNA departments. Katie Martin based in Torrington, Wyoming, has been promoted to director of communications, while Ariana De La Garza of Greeley, Colorado, assumes the role of DNA programs manager.

Martin transitioned into the assistant director of communications role last May following seven years serving on RAAA’s commercial marketing team. The strong relationships developed with RAAA’s members, commercial customers, industry partners and staff during her tenure will continue to yield dividends as director of communications. She holds a master’s degree in animal breeding and genetics from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and has a lifetime of beef industry expertise garnered from involvement in her family’s ranching operation, Ochsner Roth Cattle Co. Martin enjoys traveling and spending time with her husband, Devin, and daughter, Winona.

“Katie is known for her attention to detail, writing ability, organizational skills and aptitude for numbers, which will serve the association well given the budget and management responsibilities of the position,” remarked Tom Brink, RAAA CEO.

De La Garza is a 2018 graduate of Kansas State University holding a bachelor’s degree in animal science, with a focus in communications and marketing. After a stint as a consultant in the oil and gas sector, she redirected her career back to the cattle industry, joining RAAA in July 2023. De La Garza has swiftly demonstrated her strengths in the DNA department and has emerged as a valuable asset at RAAA's headquarters in Commerce City, Colorado.

“Ariana has previous management experience and has exhibited exceptional performance since joining the DNA team last July,” shared Brink. “Her promotion to lead the department is well-deserved, and she will do a great job at it.”

For more information about the Red Angus Association of America or marketing programs for Red Angus-influenced cattle, visit RedAngus.org .