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Michigan FFA Foundation splits from MSU, seeks new leadership

The Michigan FFA Foundation is now operating as its own nonprofit to support youth leadership development.

Transition manager and retired agriscience educator Burt Henry tells Brownfield pulling the Foundation away from Michigan State University, where it has been housed since 2006, will give it more flexibility.

“We’ll be in a much better shape to provide for the annual operating fund,” he says.

He says the university will still oversee their endowment, now worth more than $7 million, and the funds collected through the state’s Ag Heritage Licensing Plate Program.

Henry is leading a committee searching for a new executive director as part of the change.

“They’re looking for somebody that is obviously very outgoing, very motivated, and passionate about FFA and agriculture education,” he shares.  “We’re looking for somebody that is very established in agriculture and has deep roots and connections into the industry.”

He says the move will also help the organization keep up with increasing expenses and growing membership, which currently surpasses 8,500 students in nearly 150 programs.