By Patti Wilson, Contributing Editor
They say that if you need something done, ask the busiest person you know for help. Our October Cameo easily fits into that category. Chloe Durian is the associate director of youth marketing and education for the American Hereford Association. She also works closely with the Hereford Youth Foundation of America.
A Northern California native, Durian grew up on a cow-calf operation. She earned a degree in communication with a minor in law from Cal Poly at San Luis Obispo and shouldered multiple internships with national cattle breed associations.
Her eyes were opened wide in Washington, D.C., where she interned as a lobbyist and ag reporter. Leaving our nation’s capital a bit disenfranchised, she says, “What we see on the news is not what it is. People fight each other in court, in public and later go out to eat together. It seems like everyone is out for themselves.”
Durian says her experiences heavily influenced her final job selection. She’s “seen the good and the bad, but loves the [cattle] gig,” even though breed association work can be stressful.
Landing a job with the American Hereford Association, Durian declares the best part is the kids. She is especially proud of the Junior Board members – 12 young adults who each serve three-year terms. The responsibility they carry during their tenure opens doors to major career success later in life.
“We try to make our Junior Board members leaders, no matter their career path,” she says.
The Hereford Youth Foundation presents $200,000 in scholarships annually. Durian oversees much of these attainments and other educational activities funded by supportive donors.
What does she do to relax? “I literally work and have no hobbies,” she states. Her husband, Matt, is the American Royal livestock manager, a job not dissimilar to Durian’s career. She says they “tag team” at events, complimenting one another.
Future plans might have included a return to the California ranch some distant day. “There are a lot of good people in Northern California,” but it would be hard to return there with the political climate, Durian laments.
Chloe Durian is a breath of youthful fresh air making a positive difference in the lives of our young cattlemen.
