David Meisinger, Executive Director

Meisinger earned a doctorate in animal science from Iowa State in 1978. He worked as an ISU area extension livestock specialist before spending the next 25 years in a variety of pork industry positions,including pharmaceutical, packing and production. He had been with the National Pork Board for 10 years, first in the area of pork quality and then in producer and industry educational programming, before coming to this position in 2005. He has three children, Jessica at CSU, Jared at ISU, and Sam in HS. He resides in Earlham with his wife Vickie.

Annette Renaud, Program Coordinator

Annette Renaud is the U.S. Pork Center of Excellence Grants Coordinator. This position is shared with the National Pork Board and Annette divides her time between the two organizations.

Prior to joining the USPCE Annette was the Director of the Ankeny Economic Development Corporation for 2 ½ years. Additionally, she has 11 ½ years of economic development experience for other areas in Iowa including Iowa Falls and Franklin County. Throughout her time in economic development, Annette assisted several businesses with expansions and new locations, creating jobs and tax base in rural Iowa.

Annette has been writing grants and proposals for businesses and non-profits for 13-years. She has written to both state and federal funding sources and has several administered several successful grants programs.

Annette resides in Ankeny with her two sons Calvin, 8 and Benton, 6.

Barbara Kalsem, Administrative Assistant

Kalsem serves as the administrative assistant for the USPCE. She also shares her time with the Ag and Biosystems Engineering Department at Iowa State University. Barb has been at ISU for 38 years. Barb and her husband Dave reside in Cambridge.

Claire Masker, Program Coordinator

Masker earned a B.S. in Animal Science and Agriculture Education (Communications Option) from Iowa State University in 2005. Claire is actively involved in the Agriculture Future of America Alliance and also serves as an advisor for the Delta Nu Chapter of Alpha Chi Omega. She grew up on a family farm in Neola, Iowa which her family still operates and raises hogs, cattle and row-crops.

Allyson Dierenfeld, Communications Specialist
Dierenfeld earned her B.A. degree in Communication Studies from Iowa State University in May 2008. She enjoys staying connected with her previous internships by volunteering with Iowa 4-H, the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation, and the ISU Alumni Association. Allyson grew up raising cattle on a small farm in Northwood, Iowa.

Cindy Walter, Intern