In The Mind of A Millennial “Happy Trails

In the Mind of a Millennial

Seasons of change in life can be hard, and as I write this final “In the Mind of a Millennial” column, I find myself right smack dab in the middle of one.

In February, my family and I sadly said goodbye to our dad and grandpa, Stan Ceresola. I know many of you reading this knew him as a world-class cowboy. We knew him as that too, but more importantly, we knew him as an amazing father and grandfather who is deeply missed. Dad was a big part of the reason I came to the Nevada and California Beef Councils years ago. When I saw the job posting, it seemed like a fitting, full-circle opportunity to come back to the industry that raised me. Working with and on behalf of the west’s men and women who raise cattle and produce beef has been something that has brought me so much joy and fulfillment.

Happy Trails

By Jill Scofield, Director of Producer Relations California & Nevada Beef Council

But alas, another change in life is happening for me in addition to losing my dad, and that is the start of a new chapter in my career. I am joining the North American Blueberry Council and U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council as the Director of Communications and Industry Relations later this month. This decision was not easy, and the convergence of the events happening in both my personal and professional life do present challenges, but I know I had to follow my gut and embark on this new path. As I say goodbye to the wonderful people I’ve had the honor of working with in this role since 2013, I leave knowing that Nevada’s beef producers will remain in excellent hands. You still have a fabulous team of professionals working on your behalf, including our Executive Director Bill Dale, Director of Consumer and Brand Marketing Annette Kassis, Director of Retail and Foodservice Marketing Christie Van Egmond, and Director of Food and Nutrition Outreach Kori Dover.

And I know the board of directors who selflessly serve on your behalf as well will continue to offer the guidance and leadership to keep the Nevada Beef Council forward with innovative and effective programs. Thank you so much to Jay Dalton, John Jackson, Lucy Rechel, Ray Callahan, Ted Christoph, Bernard Peterson and Keri Pommerening, our current board of directors, as well as Steve Lucas and Gary Ward who served on the board and provided wonderful leadership during my time as well. I thoroughly enjoyed working with all of you. While excited for this next chapter, I leave with a lot of sadness knowing I won’t get to see or interact with many of you as often. But what I’ve also learned over the years is that the agricultural family is a small one, and I have a feeling our paths will cross again. I’ve often shared some of my family stories with you in these columns, and I have one more good one from my youngest son, Charlie. When we were talking about this transition, he looked at me with a VERY concerned look on his face and asked, “but wait, we’re still going to eat beef, right?!” You bet, Charlie – that will never change. Because no matter where my path leads, I will always be a Nevada cowgirl in my heart.

The author in her native environment.