Voting is Now Closed.
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Nominations are listed in alphabetical order below.
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Multiple nominations occurred when name is listed more than once.
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Nomination copy is listed as submitted with no edits.
Nominee: Miguel Abad
The email we received notifying us that nominations were open for the Core Values Award ended with the statement, “Let’s recognize the people who live our values and make UAH a great place to work!”
Anyone that is fortunate to interact with Miguel Abad can attest that he emphatically makes United a great place to work and checks every box for exemplifying How We Behave and our Brand Maxims. In addition to his tireless work ethic, Miguel is an exceptional listener who always makes himself available to help anyone out with a problem to solve. He is great at aligning people and establishing direction to meet company goals, while motivating and inspiring people with his wisdom, compliments, and optimistic demeanor in the process.
Furthermore, Miguel truly cares for his colleagues and always acts in the best interests of both the company and our customers. Although he is remarkable for his many great qualities, what truly distinguishes him is that he’s equally humble. In conclusion, Miguel Abad is a wonderful ambassador for the United brand and that’s why I’m nominating him for the Core Values Award.
Nominee: Mike Birtsas
He is working 24/7 … from US with MENA region … even with time zone differences he is always available and supporting our business.
Nominee: TJ Fisher
I believe TJ has done an outstanding job transitioning into his role as Mill Manager at Kalona. From day one, he’s taken initiative to truly connect with both operations and the sales team. He communicates consistently and clearly, always with a helpful attitude that makes him easy to work with.
What stands out most about TJ is his approach to challenges. In any business, mistakes and obstacles are bound to happen. TJ doesn’t waste time assigning blame or getting stuck in the problem. Instead, he stays focused on the solution—on how to move forward, clear the hurdle, and achieve the goal together. It’s a mindset that I truly appreciate.
He leads by example and consistently shows humble character in the way he carries himself. He doesn’t seek credit, but he earns respect. His reliability, calm leadership, and willingness to take responsibility have made him an essential part of our team—and a great example of what it means to honor beyond commitment.
In short, TJ lives out our core values. He shows up with integrity, takes ownership, supports others, and finds the good, even in the tough moments. He’s more than deserving of this recognition.
Nominee: Beth Galbraith
Beth has brought exceptional value to the dairy team since the start of her career and has been equally impactful across other business units. She is one of the kindest people I know and brings that same kindness, patience, and care to her work every single day. She consistently goes out of her way to help, whether it involves a meeting, tissue samples, PathKinex, or a last-minute request. Her willingness to support both her teammates and our customers is unwavering.
Beth’s dedication is extraordinary. She will work late into the night to meet someone else’s commitment. Not because it is expected of her, but because she cares. Her deep knowledge of microbiology makes her an outstanding expert in her field, yet she remains humble, approachable, and always eager to share her expertise. She prepares thoroughly, communicates clearly, and ensures MDG and UAH are represented with the highest level of professionalism.
She is an invaluable member of the research team, a trusted resource for sales and technical teams, and a reliable partner to our customers. Always curious, positive, and driven to improve, Beth continuously seeks better ways to serve others and advance our mission. She is someone I admire and respect deeply and a true example of our Brand Maxims in action.
Nominee: Beth Galbraith
There is no one I have had a chance to work with that continuously honors beyond commitment like Beth Galbraith. She is the glue that holds things together, is steady and reliable in all she does, and always delivers, which is a reflection of her heart to serve others. Whether hosting countless customer visits at MDG, presenting at scientific meetings across the globe, leading the animal Ag research team at MDG, or simply serving as a sounding board for advice, Beth wears many hats and does so with enthusiasm, humility, and grace.
She brings value to so many different areas of the business and holds herself to an extremely high standard. Beth has a rare combination of technical acumen, high “EQ”, and an infectious personality that has allowed her to make a significant impact on the growth of our business. As a result, I can say that every project is better when Beth is involved! Most importantly, when reading the brand maxims, this is Beth Galbraith. She is lives out the core values that United Animal Health was built on.
Nominee: Beth Galbraith
Beth Galbraith truly embodies what it means to live our mission across the United family. As Research Manager for Animal Health at Microbial Discovery Group, Beth brings humble leadership, scientific rigor, and an unwavering commitment to doing the right thing; every day, in every interaction.
Beth serves with quiet strength and initiative. She is often the first to raise her hand when challenges arise, guiding us with patience and purpose. Whether she’s working on complex research studies, mentoring sales and scientists, or bridging communication between the lab and the field, Beth leads by example, always focused on finding solutions that move the science and the business forward. She is a team player.
She honors commitments with integrity and optimism. Even under tight timelines and demanding projects, Beth maintains a steady focus on quality and collaboration. Her ability to balance innovation with practicality and her instinct to look for the good in every situation makes her a trusted partner across MDG, United Animal Health, and Pivotal Ingredients.
Beth consistently demonstrates what it means to earn the business, make a difference, and do the right thing. She builds confidence with her thoroughness and follow-through, advances our mission through meaningful research, and ensures every project reflects our values. Her leadership doesn’t just strengthen us; it elevates the culture around her.
Beth represents the best of who we are every day.
Nominee: Devin Goehring
Devin epitomizes the definition of Core Values. He is always willing to go above and beyond to help out a teammate or customer. Devin answers questions but gives sound advise when asked.
Nominee: Hector Leyva-Jimenez
Hector as support scientist, always demonstrates willingness to help with humble attitude. He is wanting to contribute in multiple fronts, including sales, research, sales tool development, etc. He is also a good team player, willing to do extra.
Nominee: Hector Leyva-Jimenez
Hector is a humble, servant leader that brings positivity and enthusiasm in all that he does. Our customers light up when they see Hector, or even at the mention of his name. I’ve personally seen Hector go the extra mile and honor beyond commitment, whether through customer projects in the field with our products or making sure an international customer received the medical care needed during a health issue while visiting MDG.
Hector has a heart for serving others, pours every ounce of himself into all he does, and does so with tremendous humility. He is a joy to work with and is a positive reflection on our company.
Nominee: Don Massey
If something has to be done or if something should be done, you can always count on Don to be willing to help take care of it. For years as an independent contractor and for the past five plus as a full-time employee, he has put UAH and its employees and customers first.
On paper, his job description is Maintenance & Facilities Technician which tells part of the story. In reality, he has also built and remodeled our Sheridan offices, he has plowed snow and cleaned sidewalks in bad weather, he has stacked tons and tons of bagged feed, he has created urgency and motivated those around him, he has kept the mood light in tough situations, and he has been a friend and trusted coworker to all of us. And as those who know him are aware, Don doesn’t keep banker hours… he is where he is needed at all hours of the day and night. Simply put, he is not bound by anything other than helping others anytime he has the opportunity.
In reviewing How We Behave (initiative, responsibility, commitment, etc.), Don is a perfect fit. And for the Brand Maxims, it is as if they were written with him in mind (make a difference first, do the right thing, find the fire in your belly, and so on). Really, in thinking about why Don wouldn’t be a great fit for this recognition, the only strike that comes to mind is that he is a Kentucky basketball fan. I propose that we let that slide this time though!
Nominee: Judd Reminger
Judd Reminger serves with humble character and initiative as he works across departments to collaborate creating branding materials for MDG every day. From designing our front lobby to PDF’s that drive our business forward, he continues to innovate with his style each year he’s been on the the Marketing team. He is someone the company can count on, and exceed expectations in any season of the business.
Nominee: Matt Ritter
Matt has a unique ability to turn challenges into opportunities, always approaching them with thoughtfulness and purpose. His leadership has not only accelerated progress within Research and Innovation but has also inspired the broader organization to raise the bar on pace and performance. Matt’s sense of humor brings balance and perspective, even in tough conversations, a quality that’s especially valuable during times of change. He leads by example, reminding all of us to assume good and do good, a mindset that truly reflects the legacy of John Swisher.
Nominee: Steve Smith
I would like to nominate Steve Smith for the 2025 Core Values Award. Steve is one of the hardest working people I know. Late hours, early mornings, weekends, he is always willing to put in the work to get the job done for our internal and external customers and consistently keeps them in the front of his mind. He always has a positive attitude and takes on every challenge presented to him with an open mind. He truly embodies our Brand Maxims and fits the “How We Behave” criteria to a T. UAH is very fortunate to have “Smitty” on our team.
Nominee: Steve Smith
Steve represents what I think we all look for in an employee. He works hard but has fun doing it. He leads or influences by example. He has contact with several departments in the Company and I’ve never heard a single complaint about his work or attitude. He truly wants the Company to succeed and has a love for agriculture. He will help anyone do anything, including helping a new employee change a starter in the parking lot after work. He’s active in his church and community.
Nominee: Keith Staggs
Keith demands a high level of excellence for himself and his team. He patiently directs, coaches, and directs each member of the poultry team. Uniquely, adjusting his approach depending upon whom he is addressing. Keith expects a win-win attitude and puts the customer’s needs out front. Not expecting us to reduce the margin to become a commodity salesman, but insists that we sell solutions and value.
Keith is consistent and steady in his values, regardless of whether he is at work or not. He has high personal values that are seen in his work performance, and it encourages others to come up to those attributes. He constantly challenges us to know our products well, know the needs of the customer, and provide a novel or innovative solution. He encourages us to collaborate with other team members, to draw on their experiences, knowledge, and insight. This results in a team that works hard together to provide the customer with the right solution, regardless of who gets the credit.
Nominee: Katie Thieme
Serving with humble character, valuing (and showing) initiative and responsibility, honoring beyond commitment, always looking for the good, are literally what I would have to assume are Katie’s daily mantras. She not only exhibits and embodies these characteristics to our fellow team members she has the extra responsibility of being customer facing and shares/shows these attributes to our customers on a daily basis.
She also teaches by example the importance of these characteristics to her team and fellow team members. This is evident both internally (being promoted 3 times in her short 2 years with us most recently in the newly created role of Director- Customer Experience and Sales Enablement) as well as externally based upon the feedback we receive from customers.
A vote for Katie in this honorable tradition of awarding those that show excellence and serve beyond commitment is not only a safe vote, it is a sound vote to say the very least. It has been proven to be true time and time again and having Katie as the ambassador of such a prestigious award is exactly the type of honor that she would humbly say that she doesn’t deserve, but in fact makes all the more sense for her to bestowed this honor.
Nominee: Dan Weise
Dan is one of the hardest working individuals I have ever worked with. In addition to his work ethic, he brings a level of professionalism, integrity, knowledge and steadfastness to his customers and develops relationships and a high level of trust.
It is a pleasure to work with Dan and I know his customers feel the same.
Nominee: Jon Zink
Jon has spent considerable time training me and other recent hires during 2025. Like many sales reps, he is often quite busy working on solutions for customers but has consistently taken time out of his schedule to host organized training sessions and answer questions all while continuing to add new customers.
Specifically, Jon took it upon himself to host nutrition formulation training sessions for Rusty Sobasky, Matt Schneider and I for several weeks and continues to be a resource when we run into challenges. Recently, he also earned new business from TDM farms (ranked 29th top producer in US).
Jon exemplifies many of the Brand Maxims and I have personally experienced Making a Difference, Having Fun and Doing the Right Thing.
Nominee: Jon Zink
Jon no matter what tries to do the right thing. He also does it with humble character and respect. He deserves this recognition.