(January 1, 2008)  Teddie Crippen, Spence Rule and Sandy Snider are all retiring from the American Lamb Board at the annual meeting in January 2008. Teddie from Superior Farms represented the first handlers, Spence from Colorado represented the feeders and Snider from Wyoming represented the producers. Teddie and Spence were two of the 13 original board members sworn in by the secretary of agriculture in Washington, D.C., at the first meeting in November 2002. Snider served on the board from January 2005 to 2007.  

These board members’ hard work and dedication over the years has been instrumental in designing the strong foundation the board has built to promote American lamb. They have contributed a great deal toward the successes of the American Lamb Board.

During 2005 and 2006, Teddie served on the Executive Committee as secretary and as chair of the Marketing Committee. She led the Marketing Committee in developing strategic programs and initiatives that helped increase demand for American lamb. Crippen brought a wealth of knowledge to the American Lamb Board with more than 20 years of experience in the meat retail industry and her lamb marketing expertise as the marketing director for Superior Farms.

“It has been an honor and pleasure to serve on a board that is comprised of dedicated members that care about the future of the lamb industry.”
Teddie Crippen, Outgoing Board Member

“Teddie’s knowledge and marketing experience were invaluable to the board, her guidance on marketing and promotions allowed the American Lamb Board to roll out programs benefiting the lamb industry.”
Kevin Quam, Board Member

Having served on the board of directors for both the Colorado Wool Growers Association and the American Sheep Industry Association, it was no surprise that Spence was quickly identified by the board as a leader. He was elected as the second American Lamb Board chair in 2004 and served two years. Thanks to Spence’s solid leadership through a successful referendum, the board has been able to continue their promotional efforts to build demand for American lamb.   

It has been an honor to serve on the American Lamb Board, and I am proud of all that we have accomplished over a relatively short period of time.  We have made great strides in developing programs and promotions that work to increase the value of American lamb for all industry sectors.”
Spence Rule, Outgoing Board Member

“Spence’s leadership as chairman of the board during the referendum was one of the keys to its passage and the boards continued success.”
Kevin Quam, Board Member

Sandy served on the board’s Industry Communications and Evaluations Committees. Her experience as the past executive director of the Colorado Wool Growers and as a regional vice president for the Wyoming Wool Growers was tremendously valuable. Sandy helped the board understand and respond to the industry’s needs and design programs to increase the industry’s understanding and support of the lamb checkoff.

“Sandy always served on the board at the highest standard, never taking her responsibilities lightly, always inquisitive and concerned for the betterment of the industry.  She had been instrumental in developing the current process of awarding state grants, as well as keeping the programs on track with the overall mission of the American Lamb Board.  She will be missed on our board.”  
Bo Donegan, ALB Executive Director