Nebraska LEAD Program Class 42 Graduates, Recognized at Annual Banquet

Lincoln, Neb., March 26 — The Nebraska LEAD Program honored the 29 Fellows of Class 42 during the Nebraska Agricultural Leadership Council’s Annual Recognition Banquet, held Friday, March 21, on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s East Campus. Hosted in partnership with UNL’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, the banquet celebrated the completion of the two-year leadership development program and recognized key supporters who make the program possible.

As part of their graduation, each Fellow received a digital badge from UNL’s College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, recognizing their intensive two-year study of agricultural leadership, communication and global perspectives. This micro-credential serves as a formal acknowledgment of their skills and can be shared with employers and professional networks to highlight their leadership development.

During the evening, Nebraska LEAD Class 42 Fellows shared insights from their experiences in the program and highlighted key takeaways from their two-year journey. Dr. Terry Hejny, who served as the program’s director during their first year before retiring, delivered the keynote address. He was also honored with the “Allen G. Blezek Friend of LEAD Award” in recognition of his dedication to agricultural leadership development in Nebraska.

“The Nebraska LEAD Program continues to develop individuals who are committed to the future of agriculture and rural communities,” said Kurtis Harms, director of the Nebraska LEAD Program. “Class 42 has demonstrated outstanding leadership potential, and I have no doubt they will make a lasting impact in their communities, businesses and beyond.”

Nebraska LEAD 42 Fellows (by hometown) who completed the program at the March 21 recognition banquet are:

ARCADIA: Michelle Bose
AURORA: Matthew Oswald
AYR: Adam Oldemeyer
BELLEVUE: Annalyssa Fountain
BROKEN BOW: Levi French
CAIRO: Ryan Hanousek
DEWITT: Wes Cammack
ELKHORN: John Garlock
GREENWOOD: Nicholas Swenson
HEMINGFORD: April Delsing
HOLDREGE: Logan Reed
KEARNEY: Sloane Holtmeier
LINCOLN: Nic Grams, Rachel Ibach, Michael Manning, Nathan Watermeier, Jake Werner
MASON CITY: Brad Parliament
MITCHELL: Jessica Palm
NORTH PLATTE: Emmet Storer
OMAHA: Cathryn Klein
ORD: Kelby Sudbeck
RANDOLPH: Blake Hokamp
SEWARD: Traci Menke, Zach Tveitnes
SHELBY: Carter Smith
WAHOO: Brett Storer
WOOD RIVER: Dalton Kenning

With the graduation of Class 42, the Nebraska LEAD Program has now surpassed 1,200 graduates since its founding more than 40 years ago. These alumni serve in key leadership roles across agriculture, business and policy, furthering the program’s mission of strengthening Nebraska’s agricultural industry and rural communities.

The Nebraska LEAD Program provides participants with in-depth leadership training through 12 in-state seminars, a national study/travel experience, and an international study/travel seminar. For more information, or to request an application for Nebraska LEAD 44 which begins in the fall of 2025, contact the Nebraska LEAD Program online at lead.unl.edu. The application deadline is June 15.