Wedgworth Leadership Institute for Agriculture and Natural Resources Selects Class XII
Contact:
— Christy Chiarelli, 352-392-1041, ccw@ufl.edu
Wedgworth Leadership Institute for Agriculture and Natural Resources Selects Class XII
September 15, 2023 —
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The Wedgworth Leadership Institute for Agriculture and Natural Resources (WLI) recently selected 30 participants for Class XII of its two-year leadership development program. The first seminar takes place in Gainesville in November.
Participants have committed to 11 seminars, totaling 55 days, which further develop their leadership capacity in representing agricultural and natural resources industries. Seminars range from the Florida panhandle to Miami, as well as Washington D.C. and a two-week international learning experience. The program broadens participants’ perspectives and builds a network within the industry and beyond. As a result, program graduates are equipped to address challenges of local, state, national and global dimensions.
Class members were selected through a rigorous nomination and application process with 68 candidates competing for 30 available seats. The group is representative of agriculture’s diversity through their employment in 24 different sub-sectors of the industry. Class members also bring geographic diversity, representing 21 Florida counties.
“The candidates selected for this program are already leaders in their respective industries,” said WLI Director Christy Chiarelli. “Our goal is enhance their leadership abilities and equip them to ensure a strong and adaptable Florida agriculture and natural resources industry for generations to come.”
Class XII members include:
- Lucy Abell, Abell Livestock Company, Venus
- Sydney Allison-Stoyka, IMG Citrus, Sebastian
- Miles Armstrong, BASF Agricultural Solutions, Palmetto
- Myles Basore, TKM-Bengard, Wellington
- Kim Bonner, Mabry Carlton Ranch, Sidell
- Daniel Bott, PGIM Agricultural Investments, Vero Beach
- Jake Brown, Tater Farms, Hastings
- Jason Chandler, Grimmway Farms, Mayo
- Krystin Chapman, The Development Group, Zolfo Springs
- Chance Clay, Clay Ranch, San Mateo
- Danny Collins, Duke Energy, Monticello
- Tiffany Dale, Florida Strawberry Growers Assn., Wauchula
- Tyler Duda, The Viera Company, Melbourne
- Cheryl Flood, Florida State Fair, Bartow
- Rachel Garland, Nutrien, White Springs
- Todd Gentry, Cherrylake Inc., Clermont
- Kyle Hill, H&C Harvesting, Apopka
- Kristen Hitchcock, Parkesdale Farms, Inc., Lakeland
- Rochelle James, No Worries Property Management, Royal Palm Beach
- Erin Jenkins Banas, Jenkins Landscape Company, Hobe Sound
- Jason Johnson, Wedgworth’s Inc., Sebring, FL
- Dan Kimble, Harplyn Inc., Bradenton, FL
- Nina Krause, Nuveen Natural Capital, Palm Beach Gardens
- Sandy McArthur, NG Wade, Jacksonville
- Riley McKenna, McKenna & Associates, Sebring
- Clay Pederson, Agromillora, Ocala
- Zak Seymour, Farm Credit of Florida, Gainesville
- John Small, Cal-Maine Foods, Okeechobee
- Janyel Taylor, Ralph Taylor’s Nurseries, Bradenton
- Caleb Van Wingerdan, SunBlest Gardens, Crawfordville
Administered by University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) and housed in the Department of Agricultural Education and Communication, WLI hosted its inaugural class in 1992. With approximately 400 program alumni (inclusive of participants and their spouses), WLI has become a staple for developing agricultural leaders who will become increasingly involved in the policy formation process.
ABOUT UF/IFAS
The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS brings science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents.
Wedgworth Leadership Institute for Agriculture and Natural Resources Opens Nominations for Class XII
The UF/IFAS Wedgworth Leadership Institute for Agriculture and Natural Resources (WLIANR) is soliciting nominations for Class XII of its two-year leadership development program.
Utilizing 11 multi-day seminars throughout Florida, the United States and internationally, WLIANR develops leaders to ensure a strong and adaptable Florida agriculture and natural resources industry for generations to come. WLIANR aims to prepare leaders to assume greater responsibilities in their organizations, industries, and communities; create strategic alliances to build strong networks; analyze complex issues to influence constructive change and to develop a better understanding of self and others, as well as the diverse communities in which we live and work.
To be eligible for consideration, nominees must:
• be at least 25 years old;
• have resided in Florida for a minimum of one year;
• receive a substantial portion of their income from Florida agriculture, natural resources and/or related industries;
• and, demonstrate strong leadership potential.
Self-nominations are accepted. Nominations close June 1 and applications are due no later than June 15. Class XII will begin in Gainesville in November 2023. To submit a nomination, visit https://tinyurl.com/ClassXII-Nominate.
Administered by University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) and housed in the Department of Agricultural Education and Communication, WLIANR hosted its inaugural class in 1992. With approximately 450 program alumni (inclusive of participants and their spouses), WLI has become a staple for developing agricultural leaders who will become increasingly involved in the policy formation process.
Read MoreMorgan McKenna Porter named President of the Citrus Research Development Foundation
Morgan McKenna Porter (Class XI) was recently named President of the Citrus Research and Development Foundation (CRDF.)
CRDF is a non-profit corporation organized under Florida State laws as a Direct Support Organization of the University of Florida. It’s Mission is to “Advance disease and production research and product development activities to ensure the survival and competitiveness of Florida’s citrus growers through innovation and research.”
The organization is headed by a 13-member Board of Directors, ten of whom are required by statute to be growers. The others are from academia and government. The COO handles the day-to-day management of business affairs, and Project Managers oversee the research and commercial product delivery project portfolios.
Learn more about CRDF on https://citrusrdf.org/.
Sara Sebring (Class XI) to serve as a Supervisor for the Highlands Soil & Water Conservation District Board
Sara Sebring was elected in November 2022 and sworn in on Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023 to serve as a Supervisor for the Highlands Soil & Water Conservation District Board. She will represent Seat 5 for a 4 year term.
The Board of Supervisors govern the operation of the District, conducting a monthly board meeting and staying abreast of issues facing the Agricultural Industry. Established in 1942, the Highlands District continues to partner with Highlands County, the Florida Department of Agriculture and USDA-Natural Resource Conservation Services, to provide technical and financial assistance to agriculture land owners in conservation efforts. These programs assure the protection of valuable natural resources while our farmers continue to produce a variety of food commodities in Highlands and surrounding counties. The Highlands Soil & Water Conservation District office is located at 4505 George Blvd., Sebring.
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COVID-19: Consumer Trends and Food Supply Chains
A new WLI podcast is available. You can listen to “Covid-19: Consumer Trends and Food Supply Chains” featuring Ms. Anne-Marie Roerink, President of 210 Analytics, as she discusses how consumer trends have shifted in light of COVID.
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Podcast: 10 Best for Leaders in Selling Agricultural Products Online (Part 2)
Interested in selling agricultural products online? Check out the Part 2 of this episode from the Wedgworth Leadership Institute Podcast featuring Dr. Lauri Baker.
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Podcast: 10 Best for Leaders in Selling Agricultural Products Online (Part 1)
Interested in selling agricultural products online? Check out the latest episode of the Wedgworth Leadership Institute Podcast featuring Dr. Lauri Baker.
Read MoreU.S. Department of Agriculture official named to lead UF/IFAS
The University of Florida has named J. Scott Angle, director of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture, to lead the university’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) into the next decade. He is expected to assume the role as vice president for agriculture and natural resources on July 13.
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Tools and Technology for Leading Remotely
Working remotely presents a number of challenges, especially if it’s something new for you and your organization. Technology can help us make the most of the situation by keeping our organization and stakeholders connected. There’s no “one perfect solution,” but rather a plethora of tools that can help with certain aspects as needed.
Videoconferencing and Communication
How do I keep in touch with my team? Whether it’s an individual check-in or a weekly team meeting, technology can help facilitate the next best thing to an in-person meeting. Depending on the size of your organization and the level of communication you want to maintain, some of the options below may help you stay in touch with your team and stakeholders.
- ZOOM – You are probably already using ZOOM as it has become the industry standard in online/virtual meetings. Meetings are easy to create and invitations can be sent to individuals or groups via link. You have the ability to share your screen which allows you to make presentations and review documents. ZOOM is great for larger organizations where you might have a large group of people on one call.
- Microsoft Teams – If your organization has already invested in Microsoft Office, you likely have access to Microsoft’s newest office app, Teams. A mix between chat, file sharing, and virtual meetings is one of the best ways to describe Teams. Within the app, you can create multiple “teams” for different groups. This is useful when you are managing multiple groups or teams of people.
- Slack – If you’re looking for something to reduce email and remain in constant contact with your team, Slack is one of the best options out there. Its easy-to-use interface allows you to create different channels for chats, file sharing, video or voice calls and more. Slack has the most integrations with other app that you may already use.
- Google Hangouts – If you’re already using the Google suite of tools, this may be a great option for you. Similar to ZOOM, you can share links to meetings and integrate with you email and calendar.
- Spark Mail App – You’re probably overwhelmed with email at this point (if you weren’t already). The Spark Mail app is one of the best apps I’ve seen for handling email madness and preventing email fatigue. Exciting features include snoozing emails, reminders to follow-up, and a smart inbox to help you sort different types of messages. Sorry PC users, this is an Apple and Mac device app only.
- Mailchimp – You also are probably sending more email now than ever. Consider creating a digest or daily update and send it at a consistent time every day. Also consider using a tool like Mailchimp, where you can create a template and plug in your content. Add links, photos, GIFs, and organize your information more effectively using the email designer. You are also able to track who opens your email message when sent with Mailchimp.
Collaboration and Project Management
Okay…you’ve conducted your first virtual meeting and everyone is on the same page. How do I share files, task lists, and manage progress? Consider of the collaboration tools or project management apps below. It’s important to identify the best solution for you and your team in an effort not to introduce too much change/challenge at once.
- Basecamp – Basecamp is my absolute favorite project management system. It pulls together fire sharing, calendars, to-do lists, messaging, and so much more into one space. Create automatic check-ins with each of your team members. Also a great way to include clients or customers that are outside of your organization in projects and conversations.
- Trello – Don’t need a full project management system? Consider giving Trello a try. Create boards, lists, and cards to share with your team. Great for managing projects and what’s the status of each progress.
- Notion – This app combines documents, project management, spreadsheets, and databases in a very flexible environment. If your organization requires a lot of freedom, flexibility, and data – this would be a great solution for you.
- Mural – The most productive meetings for me are when I’m able to draw something out on a whiteboard. Mural is a digital whiteboard that has a lot of really neat features where you can invite your team to collaborate with you. Great for brainstorming or creative sessions!
- Things – Just need an app to make lists? Things is an award-winning app that lets you create powerful lists, assign deadlines, and organize by project or area. Today and This Evening lists are automatically populated so you know exactly what to start on next.
- Airtable – More of a spreadsheets type of person? Airtable is an awesome spreadsheets app with tons of features and integrations. Create different views, attach files to records, and format cells to include check boxes and more. A lot of really cool features that make spreadsheets even more useful.
Live Video/Recording & Podcasting
You’ve got your team and organization all connected now. What about your customers and stakeholders? Maybe you have a conference or training planned that now has to be virtual. Consider one of the following tools to help keep your stakeholders informed about what’s happening with your organization.
- Switcher Studio – If you’re looking to stream a conference or product launch, Switcher Studio is a great option. Use mobile devices or computers as sources to capture, switch, and stream video to your Facebook, YouTube or other places. Upload and use your own photos, graphics, and video to be shown as well.
- Vimeo – A favorite for hosting video, Vimeo also offers livestreaming and opportunities for paid content. If you want to embed a lot of videos into your current website, Vimeo is a great option.
- Facebook Live – Let’s not forget one of the easiest tools available to us, Facebook Live. Go live from your mobile device anywhere you have a good internet connection. I’d recommend investing in a small tripod for your phone to avoid shaky video. Facebook Live is a great (and easy) way to keep your stakeholders informed.
- Adobe Premiere Rush – Need to put a video together but not at your main desktop? Download Adobe Premiere Rush to quickly edit and share quality videos right from your mobile device. If you’re a Premiere Pro veteran, the interface will look very familiar. New to video editing? Premiere Rush is super easy to learn. Shoot, edit, and share video all on the same device.
- Anchor – How about starting a podcast? Anchor makes it really easy to record, edit and share from your computer or mobile device. Invite others into the conversation connecting with them using the Anchor app. Anchor published your episode on all of the major podcasting platforms and is completely free.
As you can see, there are a lot of different tools and resources out there to assist in leading remotely. Don’t implement everything on this list into your remote leadership strategy. It’s important to determine your needs first – is it primarily communication or project management that technology can help with? Equally important is understanding who you are leading remotely – are you leading a small leadership team, your entire organization, or a group of stakeholders? After determining each of these, introduce the technology to your team or group with patience and understanding. There’s a lot of change happening right now, so adapting to a new workflow or process may take some time. To help with the transition, make sure to highlight how this technology will help simplify or make tasks easier and provide time for exploring and training if needed.
Read MoreWedgworth Leadership Institute Selects Class XI
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The UF/IFAS Wedgworth Leadership Institute for Agriculture and Natural Resources (WLI) recently selected 30 participants for Class XI of its two-year leadership development program. The first seminar of the program will take place in Gainesville in November.
Administered by University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) and housed in the department of agricultural education and communication, WLI hosted its inaugural class in 1992. With approximately 450 program alumni (inclusive of participants and their spouses), WLI has become a staple for developing agricultural leaders who will become increasingly involved in the policy formation process.
Members of Class XI have committed to 11 seminars, totaling 55 days, which further develop their leadership capacity in representing the agricultural industry. With seminars ranging from the Florida panhandle to Miami, time spent in Washington D.C. and a three-week international learning experience, this program broadens the participants’ perspectives and builds a network within the industry and beyond. Program graduates are equipped to address challenges of local, state, national and global dimensions.
“The candidates selected for this program are already leaders in their respective industries,” said WLI Director Christy Chiarelli. “Our goal is not to teach leadership, but rather, to give existing leaders an introduction to public policy and to create a networking system for participants to develop professionally. It is our aim to further develop their skills to address issues affecting Florida’s agriculture industry and natural resources.”
Class members were selected through a rigorous nomination and application process. The group is representative of agriculture’s diversity through their employment in 22 different sub-sectors of the industry, from citrus to horticulture to sod production. Class members also bring geographic diversity, representing 22 different counties across the state, from Calhoun to St. Johns to Miami-Dade.
Class XI members include:
- Billy Barben, Avon Park
- Heather Blake, Trenton
- Aaron Bryson, Lake Placid
- Michael Cashwell, Clermont
- Juan David Castro-Anzola, Orlando
- Courtney Davis, Okeechobee
- Derek Hendrie, Venus
- Michael Hill, Eustis
- Phillip Hisey, Ocala
- Perry Hollingsworth, Sarasota
- Peter James, Pompano Beach
- Carleton Johns, St. Augustine
- Alan Jones, Parrish
- Charles Lanfier, Avon Park
- Marcella Lucio-Chinchilla, Miami
- Stewart Mann, Wellington
- Morgan McKenna, Fort Myers
- Cory Mikell, Gainesville
- Heather Moehling, Homestead
- Daisy Paez, Loxahatchee
- Ryan Pavlik, Monticello
- Daniel Rifa, Clewiston
- J. Ryals, Arcadia
- Sara Sebring, Sebring
- Marshal Sewell, Dover
- Casey Simmons Runkles, Plant City
- Erin Vermillion, De Land
- Philip Watts, Lee
- Curt Williams, Webster
- David Yoder, Altha
To learn more about WLI, visit http://wedgworthleadership.com/.
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The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS works to bring science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents. Visit the UF/IFAS web site at ifas.ufl.edu and follow us on social media at @UF_IFAS.
The Wedgworth Leadership Institute for Agriculture and Natural Resources helps participants understand current and projected political, social, economic and cultural issues facing decision-makers at local, state, national and international levels. Participants gain an understanding of people from all segments of society; study the social, economic and political systems in which people function; and use the framework to analyze issues related to agriculture, natural resources and rural communities. For more information about the Wedgworth Leadership Institute for Agriculture and Natural Resources, visit http://www.wedgworthleadership.com or call Program Director Christy Chiarelli at 352-392-1038.
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