🌱 Illinois Agricultural Leadership Foundation Welcomes the Leadership Program Class of 2027

The Illinois Agricultural Leadership Foundation (IALF) is thrilled to announce the newest cohort of its prestigious Leadership Program: the Class of 2027. This dynamic group of professionals represents the future of Illinois agriculture and rural leadership, drawing on expertise from across the agricultural spectrum, including production, agribusiness, education, and food systems.

“The Class of 2027 brings together an incredible diversity of thought, professional achievement, and commitment to the future of agriculture,” said Dr. Amanda L. Martin, President and CEO of IALF. “We are excited to support their growth as they become key influencers in the industry.”

About the Program

IALF’s flagship two-year leadership development program is designed to prepare emerging leaders for meaningful impact in the agricultural sector. Through a curriculum that blends:

• Seminars on economic, political, social, and global issues

• National and international study experiences

• Opportunities for collaborative learning and policy engagement

…participants are equipped to address complex challenges and lead with vision.

Since 1981, over 650 alumni have completed this rigorous journey, leaving their mark on agriculture, agribusiness, education, and government.

Meet the Class of 2027

This year’s class includes 19 exceptional individuals selected through a competitive statewide application process:

• Jason Bollivar – Sr. Credit Officer, Compeer Financial (Galesburg)

• Ethan Ax – Sr. Manager, Training & Development, GROWMARK (Heyworth)

• Marlee Giacometti – Midwest Program Specialist, American Farmland Trust (Granville)

• Jessica Carter – Crop Claims Manager, Country Financial (LeRoy)

• Miriam Gay – Crop Protection Sales Territory Manager, Corteva Agriscience (Geneva)

• Lance Muirheid – Farmer (Oakley)

• Andrew Vigna – Strategic Account Manager, Bayer Crop Science (Dwight)

• Lane Kreiling – Sales Support Manager, Beck's Hybrids (Mason City)

• Collin Ryan – Commercial Sales Manager, AGI (Dixon)

• Samantha Bourke – Member Quality & Sustainability Coordinator, Prairie Farms (Nokomis)

• Kyle Yontz – Director of Financial Analysis, GROWMARK, Inc. (Bloomington)

• Teri Foster – Vice President, People & Culture, The Maschhoffs (Freeburg)

• Eric Muller – Nutrien (Deerfield)

• Iuliia Tetteh – Associate Professor, Illinois State University (Normal)

• Andrew Killian – Crop Protection Field Sales Rep, Bayer (Lexington)

• Rebecca Biernacki – CTE Ag Teacher, Crete Monee CUSD 201 (Tinley Park)

• Selma Sims – CEO & Head Grower, Gardeneers (Chicago)

• British Griffis – Equitable Supply Chain Development Manager, Chicago Food Policy Action Council (Calumet City)

• Katherine Arndt – Dairy Hygiene Specialist & Farmer, GEA Farm Technologies and E&E Arndt Farms (Malta)

These individuals represent the breadth of Illinois agriculture—from urban ag entrepreneurship and agriscience education to global agribusiness and rural family farming.

What’s Next

The Class of 2027 will soon begin their journey with an intensive orientation and leadership development seminar. From there, they’ll explore:

• State and federal agricultural policy (including travel to Springfield and Washington D.C.)

• Global trade and sustainability practices

• And the interconnected systems shaping the future of Illinois and world agriculture.

Stay Connected

We invite our alumni, donors, and supporters to follow the journey of this remarkable class through our upcoming newsletters, social media updates, and event announcements.