Harsh joined the OCA staff in 1985, initially working in membership and magazine production, before being named executive director in 1992. During her tenure, she has helped transform and expand OCA, OBC and the Ohio Cattlemen’s Foundation while establishing programs and initiatives that will continue serving Ohio cattle producers for generations.
“Elizabeth has spent more than four decades dedicating her career to ensuring Ohio beef producers’ Checkoff investment works on their behalf,” said Erin Limes Stickel, past chair Ohio Beef Council. “Under her leadership, the Ohio Beef Council has remained focused on what matters, building demand for beef, earning consumer trust and creating opportunities to tell the story of the families who raise it. I am grateful for Elizabeth’s leadership, her friendship and, most importantly, her unwavering commitment to the producers she has represented throughout her career.”
Among Harsh’s earliest major contributions was helping organize and coordinate the first Ohio Beef Expo in 1988. Nearly four decades later, the Ohio Beef Expo has grown into one of the largest and most successful beef industry events of its kind in the country.
In 1995, Harsh helped create the Ohio Cattlemen’s Foundation, establishing a charitable organization focused on education, youth development and the future of Ohio’s beef industry. That work was followed by legislative approval of Ohio’s first beef license plate, which provides funding for beef industry youth scholarships.
Harsh also successfully coordinated the beef industry building fundraising campaign that led to completion of OCA’s headquarters in 1997. Owned by OCA and the Ohio Cattlemen’s Foundation, the facility continues to serve as the home of OCA, the Foundation and the Ohio Beef Council.
Her commitment to developing the next generation of cattle industry leaders is also reflected in the creation of the OCA BEST — Beef Exhibitor Show Total — youth development program. Now in its 28th season, BEST has become a cornerstone of OCA’s youth programming and continues to provide opportunities for young people and cattle-producing families across Ohio.
Harsh worked alongside industry leaders to secure passage of a statewide beef checkoff in 2014. The additional $1-per-head investment significantly expanded the Ohio Beef Council’s ability to market beef, engage consumers and grow beef demand throughout the state.
In 2017, she created the Ohio Cattlemen’s Foundation Cattlemen’s Gala Celebration and Fundraiser to generate additional resources for scholarships and programs supporting the next generation of beef industry leaders.
Harsh has also championed partnerships that connect the cattle industry with the broader Ohio community. In 2020, OCA partnered with The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences to launch the Ronald McDonald House Charities Celebrity Steer Show at the Ohio State Fair, raising funds to support Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio.
Most recently, Harsh identified the need for and oversaw a major renovation of the OCA offices in 2023. The project included development of a Culinary Studio designed to support Ohio Beef Council video production, host influencers and marketing partners, and create new opportunities to connect consumers with beef.
Throughout her career, Harsh has also been a strong advocate for Ohio cattle producers, building relationships with elected officials, regulatory agencies and agricultural organizations at both the state and federal levels. Those relationships have helped ensure Ohio beef farm families have a voice in public policy decisions affecting their farms, businesses and communities.
An alumna of The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, Harsh’s service to Ohio agriculture extends beyond the cattle industry. In 2020, Gov. Mike DeWine appointed her to The Ohio State University Board of Trustees, where she has represented the perspective of Ohio agriculture and supported the university’s land-grant mission.
“Few people have shaped Ohio's cattle industry the way Elizabeth has over the past four decades. She dedicated her career to strengthening the Ohio Cattlemen's Association, building relationships with policymakers, advancing issues important to cattle producers, and creating opportunities for members and young leaders to become engaged in our industry,” said Mark Goeke, past president, Ohio Cattlemen’s Association. “Her steady leadership and commitment to serving Ohio's beef farm families have left a lasting mark on agriculture across our state. We thank her for her dedicated lifelong commitment to Ohio agriculture and wish her all the best in the years ahead.”
Harsh will continue serving as executive director through March 31, 2027. Additional information regarding organizational leadership and transition plans will be announced by OCA at a later date.
After March 31, media and organizational inquiries should be directed to OCA President Lindsey Hall at [email protected].