The review was conducted by John Knapp and each of the three phases narrowed in on the strategic focus for PIP over the next two years. Phase 1 included the enthusiastic and consistent input from a broad group of stakeholders. Phase 2 compared PIP to 9 other local, national and international research organizations and concluded that PIP was more complex in its mission and it’s strongest roles are as an industry integrator, and extension service provider. It was also noted that many organizations look to PIP as an aspirational goal. In the third phase the PIP advisory board considered the findings, insights and recommendations and decided on focus areas for PIP. The final recommendations were that PIP should continue to follow it strategic plan with: 1) an increased focus on developing a stable funding platform that would grow the matching of industry contributions to PIP, 2) Work creatively with students and industry to expand the industry literacy and readiness of students and 3) Expand the collaboration and connection with the service industry and other institutions.
A native of Edmonton, Valerie Carney completed her BSc and MSc in poultry reproductive physiology at the University of Alberta and went on to complete a Ph.D. in poultry genetics at the University of Arkansas. She started her career in the poultry industry with Aviagen North America where she worked as a field and research geneticist. Val returned to Alberta as a production and technology transfer specialist with the Alberta government. Her position included research, teaching and technology transfer. She has served the Poultry Science Association in various capacities and most recently as President in 2017-18. Val is currently the Poultry Innovation Partnership lead, working with partners from the poultry industry, the U of A and the Alberta government to accomplish the PIP strategic plan. “I was a city girl who spent every possible moment I could on my grandparents farm, mused Val. “I wanted to be a veterinarian as a kid. In my poultry classes at the U of A I was introduced to research and I was hooked.”
