ICA director scheduled to leave post

By MONETTE TAYLOR | South Central Texas Edition

Shane Sklar will resign his post as ICA of Texas executive director this summer, and head back to the family's ranch. Other plans this summer include getting married, and setting his sights on a political career. -- Staff photo

June 23, 2005 - Although the Independent Cattlemen's Association of Texas, Inc. (ICA) recently announced that Executive Director Shane Sklar will soon depart from the position, we haven't seen the last of him and the work he does for the cattle industry.

Sklar explained that "he isn't walking away from the scene, and will continue fighting for the everyday rancher." He is considering a run for public office in a position where he could support the ag industry, and will make his decision in the next few months.

Sklar will be moving back to his hometown of Edna, in Texas' Coastal Bend region, where he will continue ranching on the family property. This a fourth-generation rancher grew up in Jackson and Victoria counties, and Sklar said his family was one of the first to bring in registered Simbrah cattle in the 1970s.

After graduating from Sam Houston State University, Sklar worked with Congressman Chet Edwards for two years, before coming to ICA, four years ago on July 1. His tenure as executive director will end on July 1, after ICA's annual conference set for June 29-July in Galveston.

Sklar said he has enjoyed working with the people involved in agriculture and plans to continue supporting and being a part of the ag community.

"These are the 'salt of the earth' people, and I want to help them raise the best animals and get the most money for them," noted Sklar.

He explained that although he was a "young" executive director, he arrived just in time to be a part of ICA's leadership in proposals and language of the 2000 Farm Bill and Country of Origin Labeling legislation, so he proved that he was capable of leading the organization to the older members. Also, since he has grown up in the cattle industry, he has the knowledge in all facets concerning the business.

As if his plate isn't full enough, Sklar has a wedding in his future. He and Jill Turner of Anahuac, a third-year law student, will wed in early August in Galveston.

Sklar encourages anyone in the cattle industry who might be a potential candidate for the executive director position to get in touch with ICA and apply. (The executive director reports to the president, executive committee and board of directors, is responsible for managing all aspects of the association operations, serves on various state and national advisory committees, and is responsible for serving as a liaison to federal agencies, legislative representatives, industry organizations and ICA's national affiliates. Information about application process is online at ica.org.)

In summary, Sklar offered this about his years with ICA: "It's been a rewarding experience."