Brett Spader Named President of Angus Media

Spader takes helm of Angus Media Aug. 12.

Brett Spader, Angus Media president

An experienced business professional and Angus breeder, Brett Spader took the reins as president of Angus Media, the American Angus Association’s for-profit media arm, Aug. 12. Spader brings with him many years of experience in livestock marketing, sales, and business and team development. Angus Media serves Angus members and commercial cattle producers through a multitude of media channels.

“Brett is a lifelong stockman with considerable practical beef production experience. He knows firsthand the value of leveraging traditional media with emerging technologies, and that expertise will help Association members garner greater marketing opportunities for their cattle at a cost they can afford,” said Mark McCully, American Angus Association CEO. “He understands our Angus family, and we are excited to bring his vision, marketing knowledge and team-oriented leadership style to Angus Media.”

Most recently, Spader served as executive director for the National Center for Beef Excellence (NCBE), a non-profit that advises beef breed associations, technology-based startups and seedstock producers through a myriad of services, including business development, launch planning, marketing strategy, execution and management.

Prior to NCBE, he worked for DVAuction for which he led a field staff of more than 30 employees dedicated to helping beef producers market their cattle nationally, implemented new revenue centers for technology-based applications and coordinated company-wide advertising and promotional campaigns.

He also served as the director of advertising and marketing for the Kansas Livestock Association (KLA), for which he managed national account selling and sponsorship development, launched seedstock video services and ran the KLA Convention Trade Show.

“My career has been devoted to member service, developing relationships through face-to-face contact and working on behalf of the breeders to play a small part in the role of marketing their operation,” Spader said. “It’s the people who really make the seedstock business so special.”

As Angus Media president, Spader will lead a team of talented professionals who assist Angus breeders through marketing and advertising services, including sale books, websites, advertising and custom marketing plans. Angus Media is also home to the Association’s flagship print publication offerings, including the trusted Angus Journal, and the commercial cattleman’s Angus Beef Bulletin.

“I have great appreciation for the history of the Angus breed, its breeders and the stories they tell,” Spader said. “The opportunity to join the Angus Media team and continue to build upon the great work that’s already been done is a challenge I’m looking forward to. ”

A graduate of the University of Missouri, Spader earned a bachelor’s degree in animal science with a focus in ag economics. He has grown up within the Angus family. His late father, Richard “Dick” Spader, served on the Association staff for 32 years, 20 of those as executive vice president, which is now equivalent to CEO. Spader’s mother, Sheri (Coulter) Spader, grew up with Angus cattle in Illinois and is still heavily involved with the breed today.

Spader himself was a member of the National Junior Angus Association and is a former Angus Foundation scholarship recipient. His wife, Jill, works within the beef industry and is a competitive barrel racer. Their daughter, Sloane, is just getting started in 4-H. The family manages a herd of Angus cows, Quarter Horses, and Red and Blue Heelers on their farm near Lawrence, Kan.

For more information from Angus Media and the American Angus Association, visit Angus.org.

Editor’s note: This article was provided by the American Angus Association’s Communications Department.