PAACO Names Fulltime Executive Director

April 9, 2008 — 

The Professional Animal Auditor Certification Organization (PAACO) has named Mike Simpson its first fulltime executive director. Simpson has been serving in that capacity on a part-time basis.

PAACO was founded in 2004 to promote and advance sound animal auditing through standards for auditors in education, training and experience. The AASV was one of five founding organizations including AAAP, AABP, Federation of Animal Science Societies (FASS) and the American Registry of Professional Animal Scientists (ARPAS).

Dr. Daryl Olsen was also elected Treasurer of the organization at the board meeting held in Indianapolis on March 31. During the meeting, the following discussion and actions were undertaken:

Finance Committee

• Approved a 2008 budget
• Budget included:
  • Fulltime funding of executive director position
  • Establishment of an aggressive council member funding initiative
  • Establishment of a communications budget
  • In-person meeting of recruited and potential council members
• Nomination and election of Daryl Olsen as treasurer

Qualifications & Standards

• Reviewed & made recommendation to not change education and livestock experience standards for certification of auditors
• Approved recommendation to certify the Validus Dairy Program

Training & Education

• Approved a Standard of Conduct for Auditor Shadow Trainees
• Approved further exploration of a conference/seminar
• Reviewed and reaffirmed that the testing of trainees would be scored pass/fail with a minimum of 70% correct.

[e-Letter wishes to thank Dr. Daryl Olsen for providing this information.]