The Nebraska LEAD Program’s longtime staff member, Shana Gerdes, has been recognized by the International Association of Programs for Agricultural Leadership (IAPAL) with its Program Support Award, honoring her exceptional dedication, organization and service to agricultural leadership education.
For more than 17 years, Gerdes has provided the steady leadership and organizational expertise that serve as the foundation of the Nebraska LEAD Program. As administrative associate, she masterfully coordinates the program’s logistics—organizing travel, speakers, tours and seminars, while also helping secure grant funding and manage two concurrent cohorts of agricultural leaders. Her precision, professionalism and deep commitment to Nebraska agriculture have made her an indispensable contributor to the program’s enduring excellence.
“Shana truly is instrumental to the success of the Nebraska LEAD Program,” said Kurtis Harms, director of the Nebraska LEAD Program. “She goes far beyond her job description—anticipating needs, offering creative ideas and ensuring every aspect of our seminars and operations is handled with care and precision. Her dedication, professionalism and genuine passion for helping others succeed have made her an irreplaceable part of our team. I’m thrilled to see her receive the international recognition she deserves.”
The IAPAL Program Support Award is presented annually to an individual who demonstrates outstanding commitment to the success and advancement of agricultural leadership programs worldwide.
“Program support professionals like Shana Gerdes are often the unsung heroes of agricultural leadership programs,” said Dr. Julie Robinson, IAPAL’s Program Support committee chair and a professor with the University of Arkansas. “Shana’s long-term dedication, innovation and care for both her team and the participants she serves exemplify the spirit of this award. Her work has strengthened not only the Nebraska LEAD Program but also the broader network of agricultural leadership development.”
A longtime resident of Lincoln, Gerdes continues to be instrumental in organizing the Nebraska LEAD Program’s 12 in-state seminars and annual national study/travel seminar. Her efforts ensure that participants from across Nebraska gain the experiences and perspectives needed to lead within agriculture and their local communities.
The Nebraska LEAD Program is a partnership between the Nebraska Agricultural Leadership Council and the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources. The program develops leaders for Nebraska’s agricultural industry through a two-year fellowship combining seminars, study/travel experiences and professional development opportunities.
About IAPAL
The International Association of Programs for Agricultural Leadership (IAPAL) connects and supports programs across the world that are dedicated to developing leaders for agriculture and rural communities. Through collaboration, professional development and recognition, IAPAL strengthens the global impact of agricultural leadership education.
About the Nebraska LEAD Program
Established in 1981, the Nebraska LEAD Program (Leadership Education/Action Development) identifies and develops future leaders for Nebraska’s agricultural industry. Fellows participate in a two-year educational experience combining local, national and international seminars focused on leadership, agriculture and policy. Learn more at lead.unl.edu.
