Growing new leaders
TFC Directors to participate in inaugural cohort of the Tennessee Agriculture and Forestry Leadership Program
Three Tennessee Farmers Cooperative (TFC) Board Members — Benjie Daniel of Charlotte, Robert Thompson of Niota, and Matthew Miller of Powell — are among the inaugural cohort chosen to take part in the Tennessee Agriculture and Forestry Leadership Program (TAFLP), an initiative of the Naifeh Center for Effective Leadership, which is an agency of the University of Tennessee Institute for Public Service. The center is named for Jimmy Naifeh, who served as the Speaker of the Tennessee House of Representatives from 1991 to 2009, the longest serving speaker to date. He was elected as a representative in 1974 and spent 35 years in service to the people of Tennessee.
The goal of the TAFLP is to advance agriculture and forestry in Tennessee by providing leadership and networking opportunities for farmers, foresters, and the agriculture community.
Participants will take part in the 18-month program that includes travel across the state, an out-of-state industry trip, and a trip to Washington D.C. The intensive training and networking activities will enhance their communication, leadership, critical thinking, entrepreneurial, and strategic planning skills. The activities will enhance the participants’ abilities to represent agriculture with effective communication and broaden their understanding of the challenges facing agriculture and forestry. The sessions will also provide ample time for the group to work together to grow and strengthen relationships with industry colleagues.
“I am honored to be a part of this program and excited to see what the individuals in this group can accomplish moving forward,” says Benjie Daniel, TFC board chairman.
In addition to Daniel, Thompson, and Miller, the inaugural participants are Jim Bledsoe, Jamestown; Colton McClanahan, Sparta; Jeremy Burnett, Lakeland; Nick Patterson, Red Boiling Springs; Andy Davis, Sparta; Dustin Pearson, Gray; Jason Doggett, Pulaski; Mark Powell, Watertown; Julie Head, Adams; Allie Richman, Lynchburg; Robert Hill, Jackson; Kary Robinson, Huntland; Aaron Loy, New Market; Pamela Stoutt, Strawberry Plains; Laura Vaught, Milton; and Shane Williams, Riceville.
