August 11, 2026

Nebraska LEAD Program Announces Class 45 Fellows 

Nebraska Leadership Education/Action Development (LEAD) Program

The Nebraska Leadership Education/Action Development (LEAD) Program is pleased to announce the selection of 29 exceptional individuals as Fellows of Nebraska LEAD Class 45. Chosen for their leadership potential, commitment to agriculture and dedication to their communities, these Fellows represent a wide range of backgrounds within Nebraska’s agricultural industry. 

Starting this September and over the next two years, Class 45 Fellows will engage in a comprehensive curriculum designed to strengthen their leadership skills, expand their knowledge of state, national and global agricultural issues, all while preparing them to serve as leaders in their communities and industries. 

“I’m excited to welcome the members of Nebraska LEAD Class 45 to the program,” said Kurtis Harms, Director of the Nebraska LEAD Program. “Each Fellow brings a different background, set of experiences and vision for the future of agriculture and Nebraska. Over the next two years, they’ll have the opportunity to challenge their thinking, broaden their understanding of the issues facing our state and build relationships with leaders from across Nebraska and beyond. I’m looking forward to watching this class learn from one another as they grow in their leadership journeys.” 

The Nebraska LEAD Program, now in its 45th year, has a long-standing mission of developing agricultural leaders who are equipped to address the challenges and opportunities facing Nebraska and beyond. Through in-state seminars, a national study experience and an international study/travel seminar, the program provides Fellows with the skills and experiences necessary to lead effectively in an ever-changing agricultural landscape. 

Nebraska LEAD 45 Fellows by city/town are: 

BAYARD: Juan Manuel Acosta Jr.  
BEATRICE: Brayden Frerichs 
CAMPBELL: Kelli Conway 
COLERIDGE: Annette Sudbeck 
ELGIN: Jonathon Meis 
GENOA: Alexander Cornwell 
HICKMAN: Christina Barber 
HOLDREGE: Grant Dahlgren 
HUMBOLDT: Elizabeth Hodges 
IMPERIAL: Kyle Sorensen 
KEARNEY: Tyler Vreugdenhil 
LIBERTY: Ryan Husa 
LINCOLN: Alexa Davis, Karlin Warner 
LINDSAY: Emily Beller 
MINDEN: Colby Emal 
MONROE: Asha Scheideler 
OGALLALA: Blair Rhodes 
PAWNEE CITY: Mark Bloss 
PHILLIPS: Jesse Harding-Campbell 
RAVENNA: Ethan Zoerb 
SAINT EDWARD: Blake Merrell 
SAINT PAUL: Kristine Dvoracek-Jameson 
SARONVILLE: Tyler Bailey 
SPALDING: Grant Marisch 
SPRAGUE: Stephen Gruber 
SUTHERLAND: Jared Muhlbach 
VALPARAISO: Tanner Woita 
WISNER: Kelsey Thompson 

The mission of the Nebraska LEAD Program is “to prepare and motivate men and women in agriculture for more effective leadership.” For more information on the program or its mission, visit lead.unl.edu