Brattleboro, Vt., January 7, 2025 — Launched in 2020, the Virtual Interview Contest provides Junior Holstein Association members the opportunity to sharpen their resume writing and interview skills. The virtual format of the contest allows Junior members from across the country to easily participate and practice interviewing in a realistic setting.
“Competing in the Virtual Interview Contest for several years has definitely helped me improve my interview skills,” says Junior Holstein Association member Rachel Craun. “I have used the feedback received from judges to prepare my resume and cover letter when applying for internships. Thanks to the skills gained from this contest, I have landed several awesome internship opportunities.”
Applicants submitted cover letters and resumes based on a mock interview scenario and were selected to move on to the second phase of the contest based on their combined cover letter and resume scores. During the second phase contestants were interviewed by a panel of three judges. Final scores were calculated based on each applicant’s cover letter, resume, and interview. Every participant also receives constructive feedback from the judges.
Junior Division (ages 12-14 as of January 1)
1st place: Chloe Chapman, California
2nd place: Brady McConnell, Wisconsin
3rd place: Josiah Freier, New York
Intermediate Division (ages 15-17 as of January 1)
1st place: Sydney Bullard, Maine
2nd place: Elsie Donlick, New York
3rd place: Sophia Geppert, Missouri
Senior Division (ages 18-21 as of January 1)
1st place: Rachel Craun, Virginia
2nd place: Alexis Hoefs, Minnesota
3rd place: Mark Freier, New York
Cash prizes of $250 for first place, $100 for second place, and $50 for third place will be awarded in the junior and intermediate divisions. In the senior division, youth will be given cash prizes of $500 for first place, $250 for second place, and $100 for third place.
“I really enjoyed participating in this year's Virtual Interview Contest,” says Junior Holstein member Josiah Freier. “I sharpened my communication skills while interacting and learning from great people in the dairy industry from across the country. I encourage all Junior Holstein members to take up this great opportunity as well.”
For more information about the Virtual Interview Contest, or other Holstein Association USA youth programs, visit www.holstein usa.com/juniors/ or contact Kelli Dunklee at [email protected].
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Brattleboro, Vt., January 6, 2025 — Holstein Association USA (HAUSA) recently announced several promotions among senior staff members. The promotions and new positions, along with the plethora of products, programs, and services offered, position HAUSA well to continue to serve Registered Holstein® breeders and the broader dairy community.
Lindsey Worden was introduced as the next Chief Executive Officer (CEO) on June 20, 2024, following a comprehensive interview process with the HAUSA Board of Directors. Lindsey assumed her official duties as CEO on January 1, 2025, succeeding John Meyer as the 10th CEO of Holstein Association USA after his retirement on December 31, 2024.
“I am humbled to follow in John Meyer’s footsteps and have been grateful to work alongside him and witness many of the significant achievements our organization has enjoyed under his leadership,” CEO Worden says. “I am honored to be named Holstein Association USA’s next CEO, and excited to navigate the opportunities and challenges that will propel us into the future, while respecting and honoring our organization’s rich history.”
During her 17-year tenure at HAUSA, Lindsey has held several positions including college intern, Public Relations Specialist, Communications Manager, Executive Director of the Holstein Genetic Services Department, and most recently, Chief Operating Officer. The University of Wisconsin-Madison graduate also serves the dairy industry as Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding Board Chair, a National Pedigreed Livestock Council Director, and Councilor for the World Holstein Friesian Federation.
“One of Holstein Association USA’s strengths lies in the talent and dedication of our team. I am proud to work alongside all of our staff, who all play a key part in helping HAUSA achieve our mission of providing programs, products and services to help dairy producers worldwide be successful, regardless of their role within the organization,” said CEO Worden.
Dr. Jeffrey Bewley has been promoted to Executive Director of Genetic Programs and Innovation. In this role, Dr. Bewley will be responsible for leading efforts in developing and providing high quality, unbiased information and decision support tools that can be used by dairy producers worldwide to breed more profitable Holstein cattle. Dr. Bewley has been with the Holstein Association for over four years as our Dairy Analytics and Innovation Scientist.
Jason Ewing has been promoted to Western Region Sales Manager, where he will be responsible for overseeing the sales team covering the western half of the United States, and serving a territory of his own in the central part of the country. Jason has been with the Holstein Association for two years as a Regional Sales Representative.
Jenifer Levisee has been promoted to Senior Director of Herdbook Services, where she will lead the team responsible for producing and providing the gamut of identification products and services, as well as overseeing quality assurance programs, and the customer service team. Jen has been with the Association for over 26 years, working in various roles within the Quality Assurance department for most of that time.
Sarah Sarbacker joined the HAUSA team in November 2024 as Director of Sales and Market Development. In this role, Sarah is responsible for leading strategic initiatives aimed at expanding market presence, enhancing member engagement, developing and executing comprehensive sales strategies, and identifying new market opportunities.
Daren Sheffield has been promoted to Senior Director of Performance Programs, Membership and Governance. Daren is a 20-year veteran of the organization and provides valuable oversight and guidance to several value-added programs and services that Holstein Association USA offers. He will serve as a steward for HAUSA membership processes and programs for both adult and Junior members, and oversees the organization’s governance processes.
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Lindsey Worden |
Dr. Jeffrey Bewley |
Jason Ewing |
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Jenifer Levisee |
Sarah Sarbacker |
Daren Sheffield |
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