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2022-2023 National FFA Officers elected

The six students selected to lead the National FFA Organization in the coming year were elected at the close of the 95th national convention.

Andrew Seibel of Virgina is the new national president. He says he’s most looking forward to the small moments.

“I want to make those ordinary moments for our members extraordinary because I think that’s where our influence as national officers lies,” he says. “It doesn’t lie on a stage; it lies in the small moments and in conversations with members to make them feel like they are seen and heard and feel special and feel passionate about this organization and the agricultural industry.”

Seibel tells Brownfield he’s also excited to follow in the footsteps of his sister, Tess Seibel, who was elected as the national FFA eastern region vice president in 2019.

Audio: Andrew Seibel

Gracie Murphy of Illinois will serve as the eastern region vice president. She says she’s excited to represent an organization that supports students in paving their own path.

“FFA has given me a purpose and a place and it has shown me what my passion truly is. For me, FFA was the only thing really that I had that was my own. I didn’t have any older siblings, I didn’t have any parents that forced me to do it, it was my own thing, and I was able to create my own path through the organization,” she says. “Through the organization I got to meet so many mentors that cared about me; not just my success in the organization, but my success in life. I think what’s so unique about this organization is that we’re not just preparing kids for successful futures in the blue jacket or even in the ag industry. We’re preparing kids to be successful in whatever they want to do in life. I think that’s extremely important, and I’m honored to represent an organization that does that for students.”

Audio: Gracie Murphy

Pennsylvania’s Jessica Herr was elected national secretary.

“FFA always brought me a sense of belonging. Wearing this blue jacket made me feel like I had a seat at the table and so I’m excited this year as a national officer to hopefully bestow that on our 850,000 members; ensuring that they feel seen and known and heard every single time they zip up their blue corduroy jackets,” she says.

Audio: Jessica Herr

MacKenna Clifton of North Carolina is the new southern region vice president.

“The National FFA Organization is meeting people where they are. It’s a home to all and I truly encourage you to see what it has for you because I think that if it can be a home for me, a freshman transfer student, it can be a home for so many,” she says. “We’re excited to provide those diverse opportunities to include all and make sure that we can create and then cultivate an environment that welcomes our students and allows them to have that meaningful impact.”

Audio: MacKenna Clifton

Ryan Williamson of Texas is the new western region vice president.

“What I’m most excited about is the relationships I’m going to build with students. The reason I decided to run for national office is because some people took interest in me and encouraged me to pursue leadership opportunities. I also want to do that for every single student and help them recognize that there is value in their individuality and every single thing that they bring to the table,” he says. “I hope to have some really good one-on-one conversations with students throughout this year and hopefully spark the next generation of leaders.”

Audio: Ryan Williamson

Karstyn Cantrell of Oklahoma is the central region vice president.

“One day I want to leave the legacy that I was available and that every single person that I met saw a genuine Karstyn that wanted to take interest in them, have those conversations, and get to the real meat of who we are as people and so whenever I look forward to my year of service as national officer, I want to do exactly that,” she says. “…this year is going to be a unique opportunity to have a foot into the door of having those conversations and being the one who wants to talk with FFA members about what are their struggles, what are their joys, and what are the things that are fueling them. I just really look forward to those conversations.”  

Audio: Karstyn Cantrell

The National FFA Organization says national officers will interact with business and industry leaders, FFA members and teachers, corporate sponsors, government and education officials, state FFA leaders, and more. The team will also lead personal growth and leadership training conferences for members throughout the country and help set policies that will guide the future of the organization and the next generation of leaders.

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