meet your staff

Anderson Heller, Ph.D.

DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION & JUNIOR PROGRAMS

WHAT DO YOU DO AT RED ANGUS?

I first came to Red Angus as the junior programs coordinator. That position provided oversight for national junior events, scholarships and the junior board of directors. This past fall, I also took on the role of director of education. Therefore, in addition to the junior activities, I provide direction to advance the organization’s educational efforts’ capacity and success by coordinating training and development for the members and staff. My home office is in Nebraska.

BEST ADVICE YOU’VE BEEN GIVEN?

When I was in elementary school, my principal wrote “Don’t let your books get in the way of your education.” in my yearbook. As I near turning 50, I’d say that advice has been a central theme to how I’ve lived my life. I am always looking for opportunities to learn from my experiences. No matter where I’ve lived, I’ve always been an Iowa farm girl. My family’s farm raises club calves, corn and seed beans in north-central Iowa; it was a great place to grow up. I was very active in 4-H and FFA, which eventually led to working with youth development for both organizations on the state and national levels. I did my undergraduate at Iowa State, where I judged on the meats and meat animal evaluation teams and served as Block & Bridle president. My ag ed degree led me to a high school classroom in Michigan then eventually, I moved into leadership and organizational development in other educational settings. My entire career has been focused on youth and/or adult education.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE LIVESTOCK SHOW?

AK-SAR-BEN! Today’s event is slightly different from what it used to be, but growing up, I loved AK-SAR-BEN because it was unique. It had zero frills; we slept in bunk beds set up in the jockey dorms adjacent to the arena; in the fall, we showed both feeder calves and bred heifers, and I loved the emphasis that was put on showmanship.

WHAT’S AN INTERESTING FACT ABOUT YOU?

I love to travel; I’ve been to all 50 states and four other countries – mostly thanks to work I’ve done for the National FFA Organization.