Nebraska LEAD Program Announces Class 45 Fellows
Lincoln, Neb., August 11, 2026 — The Nebraska Leadership Education/Action Development (LEAD) Program is pleased to announce the selection of 29 exceptional individuals as Fellows of Nebraska LEAD Class 45. Chosen for their leadership potential, commitment to agriculture and dedication to their communities, these Fellows represent a wide range of backgrounds within Nebraska’s agricultural industry.
Starting this September and over the next two years, Class 45 Fellows will engage in a comprehensive curriculum designed to strengthen their leadership skills, expand their knowledge of state, national and global agricultural issues, all while preparing them to serve as leaders in their communities and industries.
“I’m excited to welcome the members of Nebraska LEAD Class 45 to the program,” said Kurtis Harms, Director of the Nebraska LEAD Program. “Each Fellow brings a different background, set of experiences and vision for the future of agriculture and Nebraska. Over the next two years, they’ll have the opportunity to challenge their thinking, broaden their understanding of the issues facing our state and build relationships with leaders from across Nebraska and beyond. I’m looking forward to watching this class learn from one another as they grow in their leadership journeys.”
The Nebraska LEAD Program, now in its 45th year, has a long-standing mission of developing agricultural leaders who are equipped to address the challenges and opportunities facing Nebraska and beyond. Through in-state seminars, a national study experience and an international study/travel seminar, the program provides Fellows with the skills and experiences necessary to lead effectively in an ever-changing agricultural landscape.
Nebraska LEAD 45 Fellows by city/town are:
BAYARD: Juan Manuel Acosta Jr.
BEATRICE: Brayden Frerichs
CAMPBELL: Kelli Conway
COLERIDGE: Annette Sudbeck
ELGIN: Jonathon Meis
GENOA: Alexander Cornwell
HICKMAN: Christina Barber
HOLDREGE: Grant Dahlgren
HUMBOLDT: Elizabeth Hodges
IMPERIAL: Kyle Sorensen
KEARNEY: Tyler Vreugdenhil
LIBERTY: Ryan Husa
LINCOLN: Alexa Davis, Karlin Warner
LINDSAY: Emily Beller
MINDEN: Colby Emal
MONROE: Asha Scheideler
OGALLALA: Blair Rhodes
PAWNEE CITY: Mark Bloss
PHILLIPS: Jesse Harding-Campbell
RAVENNA: Ethan Zoerb
SAINT EDWARD: Blake Merrell
SAINT PAUL: Kristine Dvoracek-Jameson
SARONVILLE: Tyler Bailey
SPALDING: Grant Marisch
SPRAGUE: Stephen Gruber
SUTHERLAND: Jared Muhlbach
VALPARAISO: Tanner Woita
WISNER: Kelsey Thompson
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 www.lead.unl.edu.