Growing Together: Conversations with CEOs

"Growing Together: Conversations with CEOs” showcases Presidents and CEOs of national agricultural associations, commodity groups, and other organizations and explores their powerful synergies with land-grant universities. Through conversations with leaders, this new interview series examines how organizations strengthened their impact in partnerships with Colleges of Agriculture and Natural Resources’ research, education, and Cooperative Extension.  These interviews also highlight emerging opportunities to leverage collaboration, drive innovation, and serve all Americans.
Ted McKinney headshot

Ted McKinney, Chief Executive Officer, The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture

“Put simply, the Purdue University undergraduate experience was the pinnacle of leadership development... Whether it was fraternity life and learning (Alpha Gamma Rho), numerous campus activity organizations, Honorary Societies, or athletics, it was on campus that the foundation was laid for all that came thereafter. I am forever grateful.”

Read the full interview.
Image

Jill Bramble, President and CEO of National 4-H Council

Bramble's advice for youth and college students: “Lean into every opportunity to learn about yourself and the world around you. Say yes to projects outside your comfort zone. Surround yourself with people who challenge and support you. Most importantly, know that your voice matters.”

Read the full interview.
Image

Zippy Duvall, President, American Farm Bureau Federation

"At Farm Bureau, we strongly support both agricultural research and Cooperative Extension…America is falling behind in terms of public investments in agriculture research, and to compete and keep our leading edge, we need to make sure that our land-grants and Cooperative Extension programs have the necessary tools and resources."

Read the full interview.