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Board of Trustees
Minnesota FFA Foundation's Board of Trustees are comprised of business and industry professionals from across Minnesota.
All who come together voluntarily to support one cause: engaging partners to build strong Agricultural Education programs across Minnesota. Supporting Minnesota's youth, one student at a time.
Message from Board Chair Staci Martin
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As a little girl, I remember watching my older brother and sister wear their blue jackets and participate in FFA. As most little sisters do, I imagined the day when I could be just like them. As I approached high school, I was certain that FFA would be an important part of my experience. Eventually, the moment arrived when I could proudly wear my blue corduroy Waterville-Elysian-Morristown FFA jacket for the first time. Zipping up that jacket and saying yes to FFA opportunities was one of the best decisions I made as a teenager.
My FFA experience directly shaped my leadership development and, unknowingly at the time, my career path. I had the opportunity to serve as an officer three out of four years of high school. Serving in these roles provided me with valuable experiences with governance, financial management, and leadership—areas to which I remain actively engaged as an adult. One of the most profound impacts came from my attendance at the Washington Leadership Conference (WLC). Little did I know that getting on a plane to WLC would spark a passion that would grow into a career that has blessed me with the opportunity to advocate for agriculture and rural communities in Washington, D.C.
My story is one of countless that demonstrate the profound impact FFA has on young people, agriculture, and rural communities. FFA stands out as a leading youth program that intentionally promotes both leadership growth and career readiness, while also emphasizing hands-on learning experiences. The Minnesota FFA Foundation is committed to ensuring agriculture education and FFA continues to thrive and impact thousands. My husband, also a FFA alum and former regional officer, and I are proud to support an organization that has given so much to us. We know that our support is making a meaningful impact through scholarships, teacher support, event coordination, career development and so much more. Please join us in making an impact and consider supporting the MN FFA Foundation today.
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Staci Martin - Chair - Board of Trustees
Director of Strategic Initiatives and Government Relations, AgriBank
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Board of Trustees
staci martin - Chair
Director of Strategic Relationships & Government Relations
AgriBank
FFA is one of the premier leadership organizations available for young adults. Joining the board was an easy decision. Having the opportunity to support FFA by being part of the Foundation is an honor.
jenny doering- past chair
Managing Director of Animal Agriculture
Compeer Financial
As a proud FFA alumnus, I see the leadership, talent and values the program instills in students. I support FFA both financially and with my time because I know that this contribution and legacy will have lasting impact on the future of agriculture.
Jasmine Brett Stringer - chair-elect
Founder
Carpe Diem with Jasmine
I’ve witnessed first hand how FFA prepares students to thrive outside the classroom, on the farm and off the farm. Agriculture is extremely important to our states economy and we need to support and develop the next generation of agriculture leaders.
Peter Grundman -Treasurer
Assistant Controller
CHS
Erin Larson -Secretary
Human Resources
Riverview, LLP
My parents are farmers, and I would not be the person I am today without my background in agriculture. I feel called to support the next generation of students- whether it be those in rural Minnesota that may be contemplating how they can make a career in Ag, or those in the city that are yearning for some exposure to it.
The pillars of the Minnesota FFA Foundation run parallel to pillars I was raised around in my family, community and career. I'm grateful it's a natural fit to be part of. By supporting the MN FFA Foundation, I have the opportunity to see and be part of the impact financial contributions provides to students and agricultural education programs as these leaders grow into working professionals and agricultural enthusiasts.
Gary Sloan -Executive Sponsors Board Chair
Senior Vice President, Commercial, Food & Agribusiness
BMO Bank
Today’s typical news stories don’t accurately reflect our communities or want we can be. Minnesota FFA Foundation creates opportunities for people from a variety of backgrounds to grow and engage in agriculture. Being a resource through volunteering with the MN FFA Foundation allows me to make a direct, positive impact in our Ag community.
cameron addington
State FFA President
Minnesota FFA Association
I'm excited to support the Minnesota FFA Foundation to help make tangible contributions to supporting FFA and agricultural education in Minnesota. I've witnessed firsthand how our Foundation supports students, and I'm excited to guide that work as a Trustee.
Lindsey Brockberg
State Supervisor of AFNR
Minnesota Department of Education
andrew cannon
Associate Director, Marketing
Crystal Farms
Gail Donkers
Vice Chair
Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council
Lara Durben
Communications & Assistant Executive Director
Empowered Events
Lisa Fischer
Customer Operations Manager - Milk Replacer Enterprise
Land O'Lakes, Inc
Dan Glessing
President
Minnesota Farm Bureau
Mary Hoffmann
Executive Director
Minnesota FFA Association
Nic Milbrandt
Officer
MN Association of Agriculture Educators
Kirsten Pagel
Attorney
City of Minneapolis
I’m proud to support the FFA because it gives members the chance to develop leadership skills and confidence, deepen their understanding of the natural world, leverage their curiosity to develop solutions, and create community and friendship with peers. As members hone these skills and relationships, they lay the foundations for their own future, and ensure that our communities will continue to thrive.
I’ve witnessed firsthand the impact that FFA has on students across the state of Minnesota. FFA focuses on students during a very important time of their life – when they are learning and developing leadership skills in preparation for success in future careers. I’m excited to support Minnesota FFA by being a part of the Foundation.
I feel strongly that we all benefit from the life-long leadership skills and career development the FFA organization provides to students. Serving on the Minnesota FFA Foundation Board of Trustees is a natural fit for me and I’m committed to sharing my passion for agriculture and the opportunities it provides; putting my career experience to good use; and ensuring our state’s agriculture teachers and FFA student have what they need to succeed. When our young leaders are nurtured, our world becomes a better place for it.
FFA is truly in my blood. My dad, brothers, nieces, nephew, and I have all been involved in FFA. Through FFA, I gained leadership skills that helped me grow in school and my career. It fosters good values of working hard to achieve your goals and being an active part of your community through volunteering. I believe in investing in the FFA, we will grow the next generation of leaders.
Having been an FFA Advisor for the past 30 years, I have seen countless FFA members grow as people, develop into leaders, gain career skills, serve their communities, and reach their potential. With the support of the Minnesota FFA Foundation, the chapters and members have a unique opportunity to earn grants, jackets, and scholarships as well as participate in numerous events because of the great contributions of individuals and businesses. I am really looking forward to working closely with the Foundation to bring life changing opportunities to the FFA members of Minnesota.
Tanner Picht
Developing Markets Officer
AgCountry
susan schatz
President Elect
Minnesota FFA Alumni & Supporters
Julie Tesch
President & CEO
Center for Rural Policy and Development
Mat Vaupel
Owner
Vaupel Farms
Trudy Wastweet
Gary Wertish
President
Minnesota Farmers Union
I choose to support FFA through the MN FFA Foundation because of the endless opportunities that it can bring to students & members. Growing up in Stevens County, I’ve got to see firsthand the benefits of being involved with FFA has brought to myself & others around me. I look forward to continuing that tradition of making an impact for students, members, & supporters of MN FFA.
While I never wore the blue jacket, I have seen and continue to see the impact it has on young people and those who have worn the blue jacket. The confidence building, communication skills and leadership skills that are learned from participating in FFA and agriculture education are second to none and I am excited to be a member of this dynamic team to serve on the MN FFA Foundation Board of Trustees.
I support the MN FFA Foundation because I have witnessed first-hand the impact that their dollars make in the lives of students and teachers. I know that my donations are being used to help develop the next generation of leaders in agriculture and across America. It is an honor to be a donor.
I owe so much to my years of wearing National Blue corduroy! My FFA experiences propelled a development path and eventually a career journey that I could never have predicted as a teenager. I'm delighted to offer my energy and time to ensure that any young person interested in food or agricultural sciences can find a place in this one-of-a-kind youth organization. The skills, knowledge, leadership development, friendships, and experiences that students gain from FFA are unparalleled and truly shape their futures.
Julie Tesch - Past Chair
President & Ceo - Center for Rural Policy & Development
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"I support the MN FFA Foundation because I have witnessed first-hand the impact that their dollars make in the lives of students and teachers. I know that my donations are being used to help develop the next generation of leaders in agriculture and across America. It is an honor to be a donor." - Tesch
Executive Sponsors Board
Gary Sloan - Executive Sponsors Board Chair
Senior Vice President, Commercial, Food & Agribusiness
BMO Bank
Today’s typical news stories don’t accurately reflect our communities or want we can be. Minnesota FFA Foundation creates opportunities for people from a variety of backgrounds to grow and engage in agriculture. Being a resource through volunteering with the MN FFA Foundation allows me to make a direct, positive impact in our Ag community.
Patrice Bailey
Assistant Commissioner of Agriculture
Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Dave Ladd
President
RDL & Associates
I choose to support Minnesota FFA Foundation because I believe that all students should know about Agriculture and where their food comes from. I choose to serve on the Board of Trustees to elevate why Agriculture is important through out the state.
I support the MN FFA Foundation because I believe in agricultural education and efforts to expose student learners to ag-related careers. FFA is the ‘icing on the cake’ for ag students, allowing them the opportunity delve deeper as individuals and grow as future leaders who will contribute to their communities.