CHS grad named president of Certified Angus Beef LLC
The board of directors of Certified Angus Beef LLC (CAB) has appointed John Stika president of the company.
The appointment was made Nov. 11 during the American Angus Association's annual convention in Louisville, Ky.
The 1989 graduate of Centre High School is the son of Eugene and Judy Stika of rural Lincolnville and the late Elaine Stika.
He was active in FFA, serving as chapter and district president, as well as state officer.
He earned the Kansas Star Farmer award, won the state speech contest, and was a member of the parliamentary law team which won the state contest and competed at the national level.
Stika also was an outstanding football player and was chosen to play in the Shrine Bowl.
After graduation, he earned bachelor's and master's degrees in animal and meat science from Kansas State University and a doctorate in meat science from the University of Kentucky.
Stika initially joined CAB in February 1999 as assistant director of its feeder-packer relations division. Subsequently, he became director of that division, then director of the packing and supply development divisions.
Most recently, as vice president for business development, he led sales growth in retail, foodservice, international, and value-added products. Working closely with staff, the packing director, and regional account managers, he helped develop customer success with the CAB brand.
Stika becomes the third president of what the Angus association claims is "the world's largest and most successful fresh beef brand."
According to the www.certifiedangusbeef.com web site, most Angus beef sold in the marketplace is not CAB. In fact, less than one in five Angus-influenced carcasses and less than eight percent of all beef meet the brand's high standards.
These standards produce beef certified by the United States Department of Agriculture that is consistently flavorful, juicy, and tender.
CAB products are sold in select restaurants and grocery stores throughout the United States and in more than 30 countries.
"CAB will continue to set the standard for quality beef," Stika said. "More brands will come and go, but CAB will stay in the driver's seat as long as it ensures a superior eating experience. As a brand, we will continue developing our role in customer service and customer success."
Stika and his wife Deanna live in Creston, Ohio, and have three sons ages nine to six.
