Meet our Staff

Val Aarsvold, Executive Director

FFA helped me develop the skills that I need to be a leader. I am grateful for the opportunities that were provided to me as a student and have committed my professional life to ensuring today's young people have opportunities through FFA and agricultural education," states Aarsvold.

Val Aarsvold joined the Minnesota FFA Foundation as the Executive Director in 2001. Prior to this position, she was an agricultural education instructor for Plainview and Willmar High Schools. Following her years of service to the Goodhue FFA Chapter, she served as a Regional and State FFA Officer.

Email Val

507-259-3586

Amanda Sommers, Program Coordinator

My experience in FFA developed my leadership skills I've used to develop our next generation of leaders. I am eternally grateful for the experiences I was able to partake in throughout my years as an FFA member and am committed to ensure our young people today are able to take part in all of the opportunities available to them through the FFA and Agricultural Education," states Sommers.

Amanda Sommers joined the Minnesota FFA Foundation in 2018. Prior to this position, she worked for twelve years as the Blue Earth County 4-H Program Coordinator. Amanda strongly believes in the value of agriculture making a difference in the lives of youth. She grew up on a farm where she was active in both 4-H and FFA. She received her degree in Agricultural Education from the University of Minnesota, and her Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Minnesota Duluth.

Email Amanda

507-461-2214

Courtney Spence, Development Coordinator

I never had the opportunity to participate in FFA as a student, which is why I am so passionate about ensuring all young people have access to the opportunities available through FFA and agricultural education. Every student deserves to feel welcomed into the world of agriculture and have FFA as a foundation for growth, leadership, and lifelong success.", states Spence.

Courtney Spence joined the Minnesota FFA Foundation in 2026. Prior to this position, she worked for the Minnesota State Southern Agricultural Center of Excellence as the Outreach and Recruitment Coordinator, and prior to that in Development at Minnesota State University Mankato. Courtney is passionate about giving back to the generations before her who poured their time, energy, and heart into agriculture. Through FFA, she sees an opportunity to honor that legacy by helping young people discover their passion, grow as leaders, and become the next generation of agricultural stewards.

Email Courtney

507-380-2484