The 2006–2010 Strategic Plan for the Poultry Science Association

Abstract

The Poultry Science Association (PSA) leadership has created its first comprehensive 5-year strategic plan (2006 to 2010) as a guide to the organization's growth and development. As societal concerns about animal agriculture increase and as changes in the poultry industry and in universities reduce the numbers of poultry scientists and thus membership in PSA, it became apparent that, to maintain relevance, the PSA needed to undertake a more rigorous and comprehensive review of its assets, areas of weakness, and reasons for being. The strategic planning process provided the lens for organizational analysis and planning. Our new mission for the PSA is to be a global scientific society dedicated to discovery and dissemination of knowledge, generated by poultry research that enhances human and animal health and well-being and provides for the ethical, sustainable production of food. The Association's vision is to be a preeminent global organization of poultry scientists and industry leaders, firmly grounded in scientific endeavors related to the biology and production of poultry. Increased membership diversity will be pursued by recruiting people of varied geographic, gender, cultural, and scientific backgrounds—including health and medicine—leading to a diverse leadership. The PSA will serve as the clearinghouse for poultry science information and provide through its Foundation significant financial support to students and young scientists engaged in poultry science research, teaching, and outreach education. The PSA, in partnership with the Federation of Animal Science Societies (FASS), will be a highly credible, well-respected, powerful force that is able to influence policy makers at governmental levels for the benefit of animal agriculture by delivering sound scientific information. The strategic plan highlights strategic directions to be implemented as well as assessment of progress. It will take the vision, energy, and dedication of PSA leaders and members to ensure that the strategic plan is well implemented, monitored, and altered appropriately, keeping it a living plan of action.