About Us
American Protein Specialists was founded in 2013 as Acacia SSA, LLC and was renamed in 2018. APS works with producers and end-users to find commonality. In the performance of this goal, we have developed a network of advisors and professionals to add value to the services that we offer.
Steven R. McClure, Sr. BSB – Accounting: Managing Member American Protein Specialists, LLC. Mr. McClure is an industry professional with over 40 years of experience in every aspect of the beef processing industry including ownership or executive management roles in cow/calf, cattle feeding, primary production, secondary production, value-added production, mergers/acquisitions, facility design consulting, and financial analysis. His most recent study was contracted by Procomer of Costa Rica for presentation to the Costa Rican Beef Consortium detailing the barriers and opportunities in exporting to the United States.
Dr. Steven R. McClure, Jr. BSB Texas A&M Corpus Christi, TX. MS Hospital Administration University of Kansas, Doctorate in Pharmacy Houston University. Dr. McClure is a published author of scientific works and doctorate level curriculums. As a Medical Science Liaison, Dr. McClure lectures on the efficacy of various pharmaceuticals. His most recent freelance writing project was for a doctoral level curriculum for a Northeastern University.
David K Hilscher, Jr. – a graduate from Tarlton State University Stephenville, TX. Lifelong legacy rancher/farmer in Paradise, Abilene and Brenham, TX., primarily cow/calf and hay; former Ag teacher and thirty years in food processing in positions including product development, regulatory affairs and facility superintendent.
Amanda Smithers – Ms. Smithers is a former Corpus Christi police officer and, prior to joining APS, had excelled as an administrative assistance in petroleum supply chain and environmental clean-up.