The American Registry of Professional Animal Scientists (ARPAS) has announced a succession plan for its executive vice president, according to president Dr. Daryl Kleinschmit.

Dr. Kenneth Cummings will hand over responsibilities to Dr. Al Kertz at the end of June 2021.

Cummings stated, “I am pleased that Al will be the new executive vice president, as he is widely known and respected in the animal industry, and has served as president of the American Dairy Science Association, FASS Inc., and most recently ARPAS. He also founded his consulting business, ANDHILL LLC, 20 years ago.”

Due to the pandemic it has been a difficult year for ARPAS, as it has also been for the industry. A year ago, ARPAS transitioned to an electronic exam system under the leadership of Dr. Steve Schmidt from Auburn and Brittany Morstatter of FASS. The innovative and able leadership for the Applied Animal Science journal will continue with Dr. Dave Beede.” Kertz said.

ARPAS is the organization that provides certification of animal scientists through examination, continuing education, and commitment to a code of ethics. Continual improvement of individual members is catalyzed through publications (including the AAS journal) and by providing information on educational opportunities. ARPAS is affiliated with five professional societies: American Dairy Science Association, American Meat Science Association, American Society of Animal Science, Equine Science Society, and Poultry Science Association. 

Since 1998, FASS has provided shared management services to not-for-profit scientific organizations. With combined membership rosters of more than 10,000 professionals in animal agriculture and other sciences, FASS offers clients services in accounting, membership management, convention and meeting planning, information technology, and scientific publication support. The FASS publications department provides journal management, peer-review support, copyediting, and composition for this journal; the staff includes five BELS-certified technical editors and experienced composition staff.