Season’s Greetings and Happy Holidays to you all!
As I step into this new role serving as your President, I am equal parts excited and overwhelmed. Please know that I am always open to conversations. Just reach out.
I have never been a “New Year’s resolution” gal and instead have made an aims list for the past couple of years. Thanks to Gretchen Rubin, I am currently working on my 26 for ’26 list. No matter the route you employ, I would encourage you to recommit to ASAC in some fashion in 2026.
Let me make a few simple suggestions:
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Renew your membership – we are updating our membership timeline so you will see your membership renewal email come through, if you haven’t already (check your spam). This is earlier that you usually see your invoice, but it allows you some flexibility (what tax year you prefer your deduction) in making your payment but please note that the due date is February 15th.
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Our committees are the lifeblood of ASAC – Your professional organization. I urge you to give consideration to serving on a committee. The efforts expended fall under the category of “the more you give (time), the more you receive (professional fellowship, networking, and satisfaction of serving." At most these committees meet once a month, keeping time commitment to a minimum. This is your opportunity to become more involved in this organization and chart its future.
Standing committees include Annual Meeting Planning Committee, By-Laws Committee, Continuing Education Committee, Ethics & Grievance Committee, Membership Development Committee, Nominating Committee and Finance Committee. Currently we have two additional committees - Marketing/Promotion Committee, and Accreditation Committee. If any of these committees fit your unique set of skills, please reach out to me or any Board of Directors member to learn more or sign up.
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And lastly, consider diving into the leadership team. As I mentioned last month, I became president because I said yes to the Vice President/Secretary position years ago. Serving in that role, you step into a leadership track that includes serving as President Elect, then President and finally the Immediate Past President. This allows for continuity in leadership but also opens the door.
As you jump into the fresh 2026 calendar, (which is one of my favorite things to do), I encourage you to flip directly to November and write in the Annual Conference dates – Nov 1-3, 2026, in San Antonio, Texas. Plan to join us on the River Walk!
Not only did 2025 bring me the ASAC Presidency, but it was also the year I became a mother and really, truly taught me the importance of slowing down and focusing on the small, impactful moments in life. I encourage you to take this time to reflect on your many blessings and refocus where your most important impact lies.
Abigail Byerly
president@agconsultants.org
Standing Committees:
Membership – Ron Rabou - raboufarms@gmail.com
Nominating – David Mielnicki - david.mielnicki@nmrk.com
By-Laws – Don Tyler - don@dontyler.com
Accreditation (CAC) Committee - Bill Zweigbaum - bill.zweigbaum@gmail.com
Ethics and Grievance – Ethan Robertson - ethan.robertson@farmcrediteast.com
Continuing Education – Scott Mickey - smickey@clemson.edu
Annual Meeting – Tony Ponzetti - tony.ponzetti@nmrk.com
Finance – Keith Raynor - keith@trpsumner.com
Ad Hoc Committees
Marketing and Promotion – Pete Weisenberger - peteweis846@gmail.com
