ISA announces 2027 LEAD class

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — Illinois Soybean Association’s Leadership, Education, Advocacy and Development program has announced its third class of participants.

“We welcome these new and longtime ag leaders to the LEAD program and look forward to engaging with them over the next year,” said Bryan Severs, ISA board chairman and Illinois soybean farmer.

“As we look to the future of the soybean industry, building relationships and building leaders are two key pieces to ensuring our continued success.”

Designed for aspiring leaders and seasoned experts, LEAD provides tailored opportunities across agriculture for growth, collaboration and impact.

Here are the new LEAD participants and their level in the program:

• Emma Adkisson — Next Generation 2 Apprentice.

• Nicholas Padula — Next Generation 2 Apprentice.

• Nolan Schott — Next Generation 3 Emerging Leader.

• Zoey Vance — Next Generation 3 Emerging Leader.

• Landon Larkin — Navigator 1 Contributor.

• Kate Halligan — Navigator 1 Contributor.

• Shelbie Kile — Navigator 1 Contributor.

• Ashton Bailey — Navigator 1 Contributor.

• Klayton Hanrahan — Navigator 2 Influencer.

• Tyler Roth — Navigator 2 Influencer.

• Lance Muirheid — Navigator 2 Influencer.

• Harrison Albright — Navigator 2 Influencer.

• Blake Edwards — Navigator 2 Influencer.

• Dakota Short — Navigator 2 Influencer.

• Gretchen Alwardt — Navigator 2 Influencer.

• Bethany Beeler — Navigator 2 Influencer.

• Zhanyou Xu — Navigator 3 Impact Leader.

• Jay Kindred — Navigator 3 Impact Leader.

• Jonathan Griffel — Ambassador 1 Mentor.

• Tyler Deal — Ambassador 1 Mentor.

• Adam McVey — Ambassador 1 Mentor.

• Carl Masters — Ambassador 1 Mentor.

• Vikkie Becker — Ambassador 2 Adviser.

• Lin Warfel — Ambassador 3 Legacy.

• Daryl Cates — Ambassador 3 Legacy.

• Stan Born — Ambassador 3 Legacy.

• Mark Gebhards — Senior Adviser.

The purpose of the LEAD program is to help participants grow as leaders, explore opportunities across agriculture and build relationships that can shape the future.

Participants in the program will gain a comprehensive understanding of the soybean supply chain, from seed to consumer, explore the benefits of the soy checkoff and its role in Illinois agriculture and build skills to inspire and mentor future leaders in the industry.