Our Staff
Dr. Joe Harris
President/CEO
SMA’s President/CEO since 1997, Dr. Joe Harris holds a Ph.D. in Meat Science from Texas A&M University and was recognized as one of the “Rising Stars” of the industry by Meat Processing magazine. He has served three terms on the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture’s National Advisory Committee on Meat and Poultry Inspection, and he is an approved lead instructor by the International HACCP Alliance. He also serves as Executive Director of the Southwest Meat Foundation, which funds scholarships for deserving students at universities across the region. Dr. Harris has led SMA members through many significant changes in the industry’s structure and regulatory environment. Under his leadership, SMA has become known as a leader in education, regulatory support, and member advocacy.
Lacy Bates
VP of Membership
Lacy Bates leads SMA’s membership strategy, driving recruitment, retention, and engagement to strengthen the association’s value for members. She develops data‑driven programs and partnerships that expand participation and foster long‑term industry relationships, and she oversees event planning to create meaningful member experiences. Lacy also manages SMA’s nutritional labeling initiatives, ensuring members receive timely guidance and compliance support. Lacy graduated from Texas A&M University with a B.S. in animal science and received her M.S. in Agriculture from Sam Houston State University.
Have questions about joining SMA? Email Lacy@southwestmeat.org
Brittany Moore
Communications & Operations Manager
Brittany Moore is a member of the SMA staff and serves as the Communications and Operations Manager. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science from Sam Houston State University and is currently pursuing a Master of Agriculture in Agricultural Development at Texas A&M University. In her role, Brittany leads communications and marketing efforts, manages social media and website content, coordinates outreach initiatives, and supports event planning and organizational operations. She is passionate about connecting people with the stories, impact, and value of agriculture through clear, engaging, and purposeful communication.
Dr. Dawn Sprouls
SMA Regulatory Support
Dr. Dawn Sprouls graduated from Wayne State College with a major in biology and a minor in chemistry. After graduation she worked in the food industry and on the family dairy farm. She attended Iowa State University School of Veterinary Medicine. Upon graduation, Dr. Sprouls took a MIS (Multi-Inspection) position at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln, Nebraska. She later took a Circuit Supervisor position that led her into becoming the Frontline Supervisor in northeast Nebraska. In 2003, Dr. Sprouls was promoted to Deputy District Manager in Des Moines, which covered both Iowa and Nebraska. In 2007, Dr. Sprouls had an opportunity to head to Washington DC where she was able to work with leaders in the Agency and Dr. Richard Raymond, Undersecretary for Food Safety. In 2008, she returned to the Des Moines District resuming her District Manager position that she held until retirement. Today, Dr. Sprouls assists SMA member companies with regulatory and technical assistance as well as formulating HACCP and SSOP plans.
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