New National FFA officers aim to 'inspire members'

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New National FFA officers aim to ‘inspire members’

October 31, 2015 By Meghan Grebner Filed Under: News

The 2015 National FFA Convention came to a close with the election of the organization’s National Officers.

Newly elected National FFA president Taylor McNeel from Arkansas says membership participation will be key to the future success of the organization. To make that happen she says that means getting every student excited about FFA. “When we start meeting with FFA members we have to meet them where they are at,” she says. “Figure out who they are, what they are doing in life, and what their goals are. When we meet them where they are – we’ll show that we care about them individually and then move forward and show them how FFA can come into their life and make it awesome and amplify it.”

Central region vice president Abrah Meyer of Iowa says through the course of the interview process she realized her fellow national officer candidates all had a heart for service. “I know that’s what my teammates and myself are really looking forward to this year- going out and using that heart of service,” she’s says. “Help inspire FFA members and help them realize how special and unique they are.”

East region vice president Sydney Snider of Ohio says she wants to make sure FFA members own their uniqueness. “And as far as myself – my running and falling down as I went to the state- that was more of a push for me,” she says. “I think that was a perfect way to start my year. Now I know you can always get back up and lift yourself up. That’s something I hope to share with our members across the country.”

Nick Baker of Tennessee will serve as secretary, Abbey Gretsch of Georgia was elected southern region vice-president, and Sarah Draper of Utah will serve as western region vice president.

For the first time in the organization’s history the National FFA officer team is made up of five women and one man.

AUDIO: National FFA President Taylor McNeel (3 min. MP3)