By Oregon Cattlemen’s Association
Most people can attest to the fact that starting at a new job can generate a variety of emotions. For new Oregon Cattlemen’s Association Executive Director Jerome Rosa, the most common emotion he’s had in his first week in his new position is excitement.
Whether he’s been in meetings with OCA President Ray Sessler or talking with producers or involved in conference calls, Rosa has been busy. But the OCA was able to catch up with Rosa Friday for a Q & A so OCA members could get to know a little bit more about him.
Q: In your own words, can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
A: I was born and raised as a fourth generation dairy farmer. I married my college sweetheart 31 years ago. We have three children. Our son, Greg, 23, runs the dairy and ranch operations. Erika, 25, is an accountant in Phoenix and she’s finishing up her MBA. Genae, 27, also has an MBA and just resigned as a senior accountant at the Arch Diocese of Phoenix. Genae and her husband Andrew blessed us with our first grandchild, Patrick, a year ago.
Q: What originally prompted you to apply for this position?
A: I have always been deeply involved in many state and national organizations. I spent 8 years on the Oregon Beef Council and was president the last two years. It was during this time I developed a deep passion for the beef industry. I am a hard-working, God-fearing, conservative, salt-of-the-Earth type of person. These are traits I share with nearly all the cattleman I have met around the country. This is my dream job, and so after a week of prayer and thought with my family, I decided to apply.
Q: How do you think your dairy background has helped you to prepare for this position?
A: Dairy is 365 days a year and 24 hours a day. It never ever stops. This is a common link that only those that live it truly understand.
Q: What’s the first week on the job been like for you?
A: Exciting! There’s a lot to learn, and I am up for the task. Many of my good friends through out the industry have reached out to be supportive and I am very appreciative of that.
Q: In the next month or so, will you be out introducing yourself to OCA members?
A: Yes. For example, next week, I will be in Burns on Wednesday for a livestock meeting, in Izee on Thursday for a monitor training program and in Medford on Friday for a Fish and Wildlife meeting. My favorite part of this job is being in the field working with the producers.
Q: What are some of your short-term and long-term goals for the OCA?
A: My short-term goal is getting a handle on all of the financial information an policy procedures. My main long-term goal is to protect our way of life. With the immense legal challenges facing us, the future will require strong leadership.
Q: Finally, is there anything you’d like to say to OCA members?
A: Yes! Please contact me or Ray Sessler when you have questions or concerns. I will have my own thoughts and ideas, but ultimately my direction comes from OCA’s Board of Directors. Often, well-meaning individuals will take things in to their own hands without having the full background of information. This can lead to division and misunderstanding. In unity there is trust!
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