AgForestry Announces Class 42

The Agriculture and Forestry Education Foundation has selected its 42^nd AgForestry Leadership Class.  Each year a variety of people from across the state of Washington, from across Ag, Forestry and Natural Resources are selected for an 18-month leadership and development program.  Program Manager Matt Kloes said public speaking is emphasized, but that’s not the only leadership quality they stress, saying true leadership comes from the middle.

“No matter where you are in your organization, in your industry, that you can help provide leadership through doing your job more effectively, or helping the leader who is helping to solve issues, better.”

Kloes pointed out those who go through the program will participate in 11 seminars across Washington, as well as a week in D.C., allowing them to advocate for their profession and industry.

“One, is confidence.  They are able to practice leadership skills in a safe environment.  They also come away with skills they can deploy in working with others.  They really value the time that they spend with AgForestry as a really strong way to propel their careers and the impact they make going forward.”

Kloes said more than 1,000 people have graduated from the Ag Forestry program since 1978.  Notable alumni include Congressman Dan Newhouse, state Senate minority leader Mark Schoesler, former state senator Linda Evans Parlette and U.S. Forest Service Chief Vicki Christiansen.

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