It’s true, broadcast was my original design on a professional journalism career. It just took me 29 years to get here, outlasting the influence of a University of Missouri counselor who favored the job prospects on the “print side” better in that mid-1970s post-Watergate era during which I schooled.

That was after two years of supporting (fetching doughnuts, setting the weekend programs for the automated FM “mainframe,” recording occasional radio weather forecasts, and propping the TV news desk) the on-air talent at WGEM-TV and Radio in Quincy, Illinois, while attending college at home. Maybe some of you knew or have known of Joe Bonansinga, a legend who was kind enough to hire me.

I didn’t grow up in agriculture, and didn’t anticipate myself in it or serving it. I came to it via journalism – and am ever grateful for that. I am a native of Cleveland, but I grew up from age 9 in Quincy, on the mid-state western border of Illinois. My family includes wife Patti, Sarah (17), Adam (14), and Teaghan, the soft-coated Wheaten Terrier with the Irish bark who runs our home. I have lived in Kansas City since 1976, when I went to work for Vance Publishing Corp.

You bet, I am excited about working with NAFB and its charter. Broadcast is uniquely valuable among mediums – always having been invited where it is present. And the vast majority of loyal broadcast consumers extend that invitation all of the time. Print-siders can only salivate about that kind of kinship. As I arrive at NAFB, I see three immediate ships to keep steady and in ship-shape: Leadership – Membership – Relationships

Leadership: working closely with our Executive Committee and Board, implementing a new Strategic Plan, and helping ready an exciting November convention. Membership: getting to know you, communicating regularly, and activating our members to serve. Relationships: getting to know our stations, agencies, advertisers, vendors, and partners.

My work, together with the excellent NAFB staff that I join today, will be all about enhancing your professionalism and success in specialized broadcasting that serves producers, ranchers, rural lifestylists, and consumers. Your industry leaders and Gene Millard have an aggressive stream of projects in motion or on the ramp: updated market research, the new Strategic Plan, NAFB brand renewal, and certainly the upcoming annual convention.

I have enjoyed getting to know officers Emery, Michelle and Pam, as I moved through the interview and screening process as a candidate to lead NAFB. That process further afforded insightful conversations with Lyle Orwig, Gary Cooper, Greg Akagi, Randy Koenen, and Tom Peterson. I also have been able to meet Denny Waddle, Rick Coyle, and Greg Guse. An impressive group of professionals, one and all.

The work that Gene has accomplished and will continue to offer NAFB, as a management and marketing consultant, is outstanding. Gene is a true NAFB blueblood, driven to serve and exceptional in his business acumen and effectiveness. He will be a great help as I get situated while he otherwise moves our marketing and research agenda forward.

That’s enough from me for now. My latest “fortune” from the local Chinese takeout restaurant that my family favors advises: “The secret of getting ahead is getting started.” A Chinese proverb with which you likely are familiar is that the journey of 1,000 miles begins with one step. Today I’m starting with that step. Thanks for the opportunity to work with you and to help build your vital work and profession.