Thirty Nebraskans Selected for Nebraska LEAD Class 43

Lincoln, Neb. August 28, 2024 — The Nebraska Leadership Education/Action Development (LEAD) Program is pleased to announce the selection of 30 outstanding individuals who will join the program as Fellows of Nebraska LEAD Class 43. These fellows were selected based on their demonstrated leadership potential, commitment to agriculture and dedication to their communities.

Nebraska LEAD Class 43 Fellows represent a diverse group of professionals from across the state, bringing with them a wealth of experience and expertise in various sectors of Nebraska’s agricultural industry. Over the next two years, they will participate in a rigorous curriculum designed to enhance their leadership skills, broaden their understanding of domestic and global agricultural issues, and prepare them for greater roles in their communities and industries.

“I’m excited to work alongside this talented group of LEAD Fellows committed to the future of agriculture in the state,” said Kurtis Harms, Director of the Nebraska LEAD Program. “The selection process was challenging this year, as we had many quality applicants. This serves a testament to the passionate, well-qualified people who will be serving our industry for many years to come. Keep an eye out for these individuals, as these are names we’ll be seeing a lot more of down the road.”

The Nebraska LEAD Program, which began in 1981, continues its legacy of developing leaders who are equipped to address the challenges and opportunities facing agriculture in Nebraska and beyond. Through seminars, study travel and hands-on experiences, LEAD 43 Fellows will gain insights into the complex issues shaping the future of agriculture and rural communities.

Nebraska LEAD 43 Fellows by city/town are:

CALLAWAY: Lucy Kimball

CARLETON: Troy Kane

DENTON: Payton Schaneman

EDISON: Amy Warner

ERICSON: Neleigh Gehl

FREMONT: Chandler Maly

GOTHENBURG: MiKinley Harm

GRETNA: Brennan Costello

HASTINGS: Lily Ziehmer

HAY SPRINGS: Austin Weyers

HOWELLS: Tyler Morton

HUMPHREY: Eric Wemhoff

KEARNEY: Anthony Finke, Dustin Rohde, Trevor Spath

LINCOLN: Luke Baldridge, Jared Stauffer, Sally Welsh

LONG PINE: Spencer Shifflet

LOUP CITY: Cale Harrington

MINATARE: Austin Kniss

MULLEN: Kyle Phillips

NEHAWKA: Sophia Svanda

NORFOLK: Courtney Nelson, Jake Judge

ORD: Ben Edwards

OSCEOLA: Anthony Mestl

SUPERIOR: John Sullivan

WAYNE: Bobby Reifenrath

WAHOO: Jacobi Swanson

The mission of the Nebraska LEAD Program is “to prepare and motivate men and women in agriculture for more effective leadership.” For more information on the program or its mission, visit lead.unl.edu.

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About the Nebraska LEAD Program
The Nebraska LEAD Program was established in 1981 with the mission of developing agriculture leaders from Nebraska’s farming, ranching and agribusiness sectors. Over the past four decades, the program has graduated nearly 1,200 fellows who have gone on to serve in leadership roles at the local, state, national and international levels. The two-year program offers participants a unique blend of education, travel and personal development opportunities, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to lead in a rapidly changing world.