IALF introduces 2028 leadership program class

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — The Illinois Agricultural Leadership Foundation announced the selection of its Leadership Program Class of 2028.

This cohort of emerging and established leaders represents a broad cross-section of Illinois agriculture, bringing experience from production agriculture, agribusiness, finance, technology, communications, conservation, food systems and more.

“Each new class brings fresh perspectives, valuable experience and a shared commitment to strengthening the future of agriculture,” said Amanda Martin, president and IALF CEO.

“The Class of 2028 represents the breadth and strength of our industry, and we are eager to see how these fellows will grow together, challenge one another and put their leadership into action across Illinois and beyond.”

IALF’s flagship program, established to prepare professionals for effective leadership roles within agriculture and rural communities, will provide these participants with a rigorous two-year educational experience.

The curriculum integrates seminars on economic, political, social and global issues affecting Illinois agriculture, as well as national and international-study travel components.

Class Of 2028

The Class of 2028 fellows include:

• Alan Bailey of Springfield is Midwest solar specialist at American Farmland Trust.

• Mike Carlson of Arlington Heights is manager of customer experience at Nutrien.

• Alissa Fosdick of Fairbury is credit ag lending team leader at Compeer Financial.

• Lucas Fuess of Chicago is senior dairy analyst at Rabobank.

• Matthew Geiger of Sandoval is an agronomist and retail sales rep at Syngenta Crop Protection.

• Michael Gill of Camp Grove is a partner at Gill Farms.

• Caleb Harre of Nashville is global multimedia manager at Ptx.

• Charlie Hensley of Peoria is manager of Peoria County Farm Bureau.

• Troy Hoene of Sigel is senior credit officer at Farm Credit Illinois.

• Bradley Horton of Freeburg is an Engine and ATS engineering and integration engineer at CNH.

• Ben Hugenberg of Liberty is farmer-owner-operator of Hugenberg Farm Inc.

• Bradley Ingram of Tuscola is owner and founder of Scars of Valor Foundation.

• Brian Johnson of Rio is corn and soy agronomic value lead at John Deere.

• Connor Kaeb of Chenoa is government relations associate manager at Growmark Inc.

• Beatrice Kamau of Beecher is CEO and founder of Multiple Harvest Farm and licensed practical nurse at Multiple Harvest LLC.

• Elliott Kauffman of Belleville is associate relationship manager at CoBank.

• Emily Laird of Decatur is CO2 origination and market development director at ADM.

• Matt Lamont of Carmi is a seed adviser at Beck’s Hybrids.

• Jack Lanxon of Millstadt is farm operations manager at Eckert’s Inc.

• Joshua Maschhoff of Nashville is regional director of operations at The Maschhoffs.

• Eileen Pabst of Bloomington is market development manager at the Illinois Soybean Association.

• Karen Peditto of Lindenhurst is produce coordinator at Glenview Park District’s Historic Wagner Farm.

• Trisha Rentschler of Charleston is senior product manager at Kahler Automation.

• Madison Schultz of Buckingham is precision agronomy specialist at Advanced Agrilytics.

• Danielle Solis of Germantown is communications manager at The Maschhoffs.

• Reid Stephenson of Chicago is industrial nitrogen regional sales manager at Nutrien.

• Andrew Van Thyne of Decatur is vice president at ADM.

• Ian Vandeford of Collinsville is director of sales operations at Prairie Farms Dairy Inc.

• Jenny Worth of Bloomington is agribusiness market manager at Country Financial.

• Joshua Wurmnest of Melvin is region business manager at Growmark.

Selection Process

These participants were selected through a competitive application and in-person interview process. They join a legacy of more than 670 alumni who have graduated from the program since its founding in 1981.

The Leadership Program Class of 2028 will kick off its two-year leadership journey in November, followed by orientation in December.

Fellows will participate in sessions across Illinois, Washington, D.C., and internationally, culminating with graduation in April 2028.