Katie Gehrt Nicholasville, Kentucky North American Public Relations and Advertising Manager Alltech
What education are you bringing with you to this position?I hold bachelor’s degrees in psychology and graphic design fromVirginia Techand a master’s in integrated marketing communication fromWest Virginia University.
Please describe your agricultural background.
My agricultural background is primarily equine. I have been a lifelong equestrian and have worked in barns for a variety of breeds and disciplines, taught riding lessons and worked at numerous horse shows. However, I am very excited to learn about other species and facets of agriculture.
I will be working primarily with trade publications, placing advertising and sharing information about what’s new at Alltech.
What territory will you cover?
North America
What previous positions have you held?
Prior to coming to Alltech I was the Assistant Director of Communications and Marketing for Student Affairs at Virginia Tech.
What excites you most about working in your new role?
Alltech is such an innovative and dynamic company, it would be hard not to be excited about working here. I am excited for the chance to learn and really push myself professionally and, beyond that, to expand my world view.
Since it is a global company, I have already had opportunities to work with people from all over the world, from Ireland to China to Brazil. I love getting to know my colleagues from other countries and it is really broadening my perspective professionally and personally.
How will you be of most help to producers in your region or area of expertise?
Alltech’s primacy in science means that we have incredible research data from top scientists. I can most help producers by sharing what we have learned through that research to provide useful information that may help them find solutions to the challenges they face.
Why did you choose this company?
I first wanted to come to Alltech because of its reputation and because I really respect the work that the company does in finding natural solutions for animal health and performance. Ultimately, I chose Alltech because of the talent, enthusiasm and kindness of the people who work here.
What goals would you like to accomplish while in this position?
I want to find the best ways to effectively communicate with our audiences and understand what is most interesting and relevant to them.
To achieve that, my goal is to learn as much as I can about animal health and nutrition and agriculture, both in the United States and globally. PD
