National Officer Candidates
The FFA Motto: Learning to Do, Doing to Learn, Earning to Live and Living to Serve
Nominating Committee | National Officer Candidates | Candidates Study Guide
It takes a highly motivated person to become a successful national FFA officer—an opportunity afforded to few members. If you want to be a national officer, take time now to learn about your passions and gain a better understanding of what life as a national officer is really like. A life of glamour and glory—maybe, but the truth is that as 
a national officer, your life is non-stop hard work and never-ending commitments.
Talk to past national FFA officers (this is a great way to learn more about the office), and most every one will tell you that the rewards of serving our great organization and holding a position of influence with nearly half a million FFA members was a life changing experience—one they will cherish forever.
They’ll tell you that maintaining their intense travel schedules and countless commitments often with inadequate amounts of sleep and minimal personal time was extremely challenging. Life on the road can be lonely during state convention season and frustrating just getting where you need to go. There are hundreds of nights spent in hotels and many meals eaten on the run. Connecting with friends and family and taking some time (even 15 minutes daily) can make a positive difference in your year.
As a national officer, you might think that you will be with FFA members most of the year, but in reality, a little more than one-third of your year is spent with members. During other months, you may be gaining knowledge in training, meeting with partners or serving on the board of directors. Some parts you may like more than others. To be sure, whatever you do as a national officer, you influence members’ lives in a positive light.
Perhaps the best part of becoming a national officer are the bonds you build with your other five teammates, national FFA staff and most of all FFA members through out our great nation. National officers meet friends and mentors—often these relationships last a lifetime.
With each national office comes tremendous responsibility because a great many people will depend upon you to follow through and honor your commitments. With so many tasks, it is incredibly challenging to prioritize your workload but when you figure out a way to solve that challenge, it is extremely rewarding.
One of the most amazing and perhaps unexpected joys of holding national office is the inevitable transformation that occurs in individuals because of their year of service. Talk about personal growth! The thousands of people you meet from Tokyo to Toledo and the varied experiences you share inspire profound growth and maturity in most every officer.
“I was surprised by the amount of assistance and training we receive from national FFA staff. You are never alone because you can pick up the phone and call the staff. Even though you are away from home most of the year, you have a second family back at the center.”
Corey Flournoy, National FFA President 1994-95
This page has resources to assist you in making a decision about whether to consider being a national FFA officer. Check out the documents below to gather some of the key information about being a national FFA officer.
The "Job" of Being a National Officer
“I remember feeling very overwhelmed because there’s always a dozen things that need to be done. It’s hard to prioritize because everything is important. If you enjoy college life in terms of parties and social life, national office is not a great fit. Nothing about the year as a national officer is similar to college. You perform as an adult: you are in the real world and competent. Regarding the transition back to college, I am a much more focused student as a result of having held a national office. I have set a standard of excellence for myself.”
Christy Windham, National FFA Southern Region Vice President 2003-04
Think you want to raise your hand to serve as a national officer? Here are some other pieces to consider as an official candidate for national FFA office. Pay attention to the policies and guidelines in the selection process handbook to determine your eligibility.
National FFA Officer Candidate Application
If you are selected as your state's national FFA officer candidate check out the candidate study guide page for more useful resources.
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