FFA Alters Leadership Structure
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThe Indianapolis-based National FFA Organization has announced plans to merge its board of directors with the National FFA Foundation's board of trustees. Dwight Armstrong, who currently leads the FFA Organization's board, will serve as chief executive officer of the joint operation.
January 29, 2014
News Release
Indianapolis, Ind. — The National FFA Organization Board of Directors and National FFA Foundation Board of Trustees have approved a new consolidated management structure that unifies both organizations' executive management through a joint governance committee of the two boards, a common chief executive officer and a common chief financial officer.
The plan, approved unanimously by both boards and the 2013-14 National FFA Officer team, includes implementation of an integrated management team to increase collaboration and communication across both boards.
“We believe these steps will strengthen FFA and agricultural education,” said National FFA Advisor Dr. Steve A. Brown, who serves as chairman of the National FFA Organization's board. “By consolidating our executive and financial management, we expect better resource alignment, greater performance accountability, improved financial stability and transparency and speedy resolution of conflicts of interest.”
The joint governance committee will consist of members of both boards and work with the common CEO.
The boards approved immediate appointment of Dr. W. Dwight Armstrong as the common CEO. Armstrong currently serves as CEO for the National FFA Organization and is former chairman of the National FFA Foundation Sponsors’ Board, which supports fundraising campaigns for the foundation.
The common CFO will be responsible for each organization’s financial standing and performance and will present information and recommendations directly to the boards. Coordinated financial reporting will enhance transparency and help each board execute its fiduciary responsibilities. The committee will work with Armstrong to fill the CFO position.
“We received considerable input from the field regarding the proposed actions and we found broad and deep support,” said Russ Green, chairman of the National FFA Foundation Board of Trustees and national accounts sales manager for AGCO Corp. “I believe these actions will help FFA be more efficient and better prepared to address opportunities and issues under the leadership of a common executive responsible to both boards for achieving results and implementing strategy.”
The National FFA Organization provides leadership, personal growth and career success training through agricultural education to 579,678 student members in grades seven through 12 who belong to one of 7,570 local FFA chapters throughout the U.S., Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The National FFA Foundation is the fundraising arm of the National FFA Organization.
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About National FFA Organization
The National FFA Organization is a national youth organization of 579,678 student members as part of 7,570 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. The National FFA Organization operates under a federal charter granted by the 81st United States Congress and it is an integral part of public instruction in agriculture. The U.S. Department of Education provides leadership and helps set direction for FFA as a service to state and local agricultural education programs. For more, visit the National FFA Organization online at http://www.FFA.org, on Facebook, Twitter and the official National FFA Organization blog.
About National FFA Foundation
The National FFA Foundation builds partnerships with industry, education, government, other foundations and individuals to secure financial resources that recognize FFA member achievements, develop student leaders and support the future of agricultural education. Governed by a 19-member board of trustees comprised of educators, business leaders, individual donors and FFA alumni, the foundation is a separately-registered nonprofit organization. About 82 percent of all sponsorship dollars received by the foundation support FFA members and agricultural education opportunities. For more, visit the National FFA Foundation at http://www.FFA.org/Give.
Source: National FFA Organziation