Q&A with Kristi McCallum

We sat down with longtime AAFCO member and outgoing LMSC chair, Kristi McCallum. Kristi is the Laboratory Manager for the Colorado Department of Agriculture’s Division of Laboratory Services. Kristi will be retiring in summer 2025, and the 2024 Annual Meeting will be her final AAFCO meeting. Please join us in celebrating her contributions from the past 30 years and wishing her well in her next chapter.

Why did you first get involved with AAFCO?

Colorado’s laboratory was not attending AAFCO meetings and I felt that we were missing out on connecting with other state laboratories, regulatory and industry. These connections and in-person discussions are invaluable, not only to stay abreast of current issues, but to be able to see the big picture beyond laboratory testing.

What do you think has been your greatest contribution to AAFCO throughout the years?

I hope that my ability to bring people together and make them feel welcome is my greatest contribution as LMSC chair. I feel strongly that every voice matters, and the best ideas and solutions are not from a few but from everyone. Different perspectives, experiences, and knowledge levels are what make AAFCO and the LMSC so valuable.

How has AAFCO played a role in your career?

Through participation in AAFCO, I gained so much knowledge. Being in a room with brilliant minds for eight hours is a great way to learn about new technology, best practices, how to solve issues, and how to handle day-to-day lab issues. In addition, I gained confidence! I was shy, unsure of myself, and a terrible public speaker. AAFCO members and leaders supported me and gave me the confidence to step up and use my voice. Because of this, I was able to really discover what true leadership means and am able to support young people just starting their careers.

What do you hope to see for AAFCO in the next 5 years?

I hope to see greater member involvement on committees and greater meeting attendance, especially from scientists. I hope AAFCO keeps growing its training and resources for laboratory and regulatory staff because it is so valuable and no one else offers it. Finally, I hope it promotes careers in agriculture for the next generation.

What is the legacy you wish to leave?

A few years ago, the LMSC and I started a solid laboratory training network. This training and support for state labs and all laboratory personnel is so important to me. These are specialized science fields that are unique to animal food testing and labs spend so much time and so many resources to train new staff. Through an AAFCO supported training network, managers will be able to send analysts to other state labs for training or do virtual training from the AAFCO LMSC website. My hope is that this training program provides consistent, quality training to allow the trainee to return to their lab and train others.

Anything else you would like to add?

As I end my 30+ year career as a scientist, I would like to thank the people who guided me, believed in me, and supported me along the way. I am truly honored to have been a part of AAFCO. I am so proud to have been able to work with all of the great people who volunteer their time and who have dedicated their careers to ensure the safety and well being of animals. I will treasure the friendships I have made for forever.