Contact:            Joe Schuele      303-850-3360     jschuele@beef.org

Paul Hitch resigns as NCBA president-elect

November 26, 2007 - Paul Hitch, cattle producer from Guymon, Okla., has resigned his position as president-elect of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) due to cancer.

“Paul gave a great deal of consideration to this decision and felt it was in the best interest of his family and the industry that he vacate the position and dedicate himself to his treatments,” said John Queen, president of NCBA and cattle producer from Waynesville, N.C.  “Paul’s leadership in the industry and in NCBA is undeniable.  We thank Paul for his service, and our prayers are with him and his family.”

According to NCBA bylaws, the association’s vice president, Andy Groseta, cattle producer from Cottonwood, Ariz., automatically moves into the president-elect position. Groseta will then succeed Queen as NCBA president after the upcoming annual meeting in Reno, Nev., February 6-9, 2008. 

At the direction of NCBA’s officers, the vice president position will remain vacant until the nominating committee presents a full slate of officers for consideration at NCBA’s annual meeting. 

###

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) is the largest organization representing America’s cattle industry.  Initiated in 1898, NCBA is the industry leader in education, influencing public policy to improve producer profitability and in preserving the industry’s heritage and future.  Efforts are made possible through membership contributions. To join, contact NCBA at 1-866-BEEF-USA or membership@beef.org.