March 31, 2022
March is Women’s History Month, when we all celebrate the accomplishments of women in the AACT. Our organization takes pride in how each member has an equal opportunity and a voice in our mission. We started a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion lecture series at NACCT three years ago, and will continue this tradition into the future. Additionally, the new DEI section will provide another perspective on our education and research activities within our organization. However, this message is not about our women membership, but our leadership.
From Sarah Shiffert in 2011, to Jessica Konrath presently, AACT has had a woman as an Executive Director. I have been fortunate enough to work with both. Jessica comes to us from the Dairy State. She studied economics at the University of Wisconsin, and completed her masters in economics from American University, in Washington, DC. She has been a certified executive for the last nine years and is a senior member of the Degnon management team.
Jessica brings energy, enthusiasm and creativity to our organization, which translates into a quality membership for you. She is fiscally responsible and a consummate professional. Her collaborative approach to our leadership team means she leads and she listens, to me, our board of trustees and you. To her, management is more than a discussion. It is an action. She does much of the work behind the scenes to complete our goals.
Outside of our world of clinical toxicology, Jessica is an entrepreneur. She has moved to Idaho, where she owns and operates a goat farmstead dairy. There she practices sustainable agriculture and promotes nutrition, by making and selling goat milk products.
Jessica has created her own adventure. She capitalizes on her opportunities, and breaks through barriers and ceilings. She is a woman that is making history in the AACT. A history we are glad to share. We should all congratulate, appreciate and thank her for her service.
Respectfully,
Kirk Cumpston, DO
President, AACT