Passing the Torch: Meet the Central Region Officers From the North Area
The 2026-27 Central Region Officer Team after the spring meeting and elections! Left to right: Jaden Wenger, Karly Ritchie-Shields, Annika Don, Harper Kempen, Gannon Gossman, Maya Barnwell, Mina Russell-Choi and Carson Bell.
The 2026-27 Central Region Officer Team was elected and installed on March 28, 2026. As they enter their year of service, these individuals from the Bret Harte and Elk Grove FFA Chapters are excited to lead with love. Each member has a unique background and FFA journey, and they want to remind members that their worth is not defined by an accomplishment. It’s easy to see that this officer team will prioritize service above self and can’t wait to meet the members of the Central Region.
Mina Russell-Choi, an aspiring Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader and newly elected north area vice president from the Bret Harte FFA Chapter, is excited to learn about all of the different agriculture departments within the Central Region and share her story, as she does not come from an agriculture-related background. From livestock judging to playing piano, competing with her horse and showing sheep, goats and rabbits, she values experiencing new things and intends to learn all about the members of this region.
As a kid, her father always said, “Attitude. Effort. And ability.” Russell-Choi strives to put forth her best attitude, give her fullest effort and give the best of her abilities. She encourages the Central Region to do the same as they make this year the biggest, loudest and proudest!
The Bret Harte FFA Chapter celebrating after two of their members were elected to to the north area vice president and reporter positions. Top row, left to right: Chase Philips, Violette Segraves, Allie Fowler, Carson Prescott and Drew Bach. Bottom row, left to right: Shawna Truelock, Mina Russel-Choi, Karly Ritchie-Shields and Iris Bender.
From the Elk Grove FFA Chapter, Secretary Harper Kempen has been a part of a variety of FFA activities, but has truly found her voice in the blue jacket through public speaking events. Although she grew up around FFA and was raised to respect the agriculture industry, she wasn’t initially sure if this organization was the place for her until she accidentally stepped foot into an agriculture classroom. Quickly, she began developing a passion for agricultural advocacy and found a community she loved.
This Star Wars fanatic looks forward to facilitating the Sectional Officer Leadership Conference, as well as making memories while teaching valuable skills. Kempen believes that confidence is a key factor in growth. This year, she hopes to encourage members to lead with confidence, grow with intention and make the Central Region proud!
As the newly elected treasurer from the Elk Grove FFA Chapter, Annika Don’s life motto is “You can’t throw stones while washing feet.” Referring to the biblical story where Jesus humbles himself by washing the feet of his disciples, it serves as a reminder that you would not have time to condemn or judge others if you are busy serving them.
Whether playing piano, teaching herself guitar or singing at church, she has truly been shaped by the loving community around her. Don has been inspired to love others unconditionally. She believes growth can only start where comfort ends. Throughout this year, she wants to strive to be a voice of motivation for members to be bold. This reserve champion FFA Creed and impromptu public speaker is thrilled to meet the members of the Central Region this year!
The newly elected treasurer and secretary are proud to represent the Elk Grove FFA Chapter. Left to right: Annika Don and Harper Kempen.
From the Bret Harte FFA Chapter, Reporter Karly Ritchie-Shields looks forward to building genuine connections and promoting members to become the best versions of themselves. Ritchie-Shields centered her life around running until she had an injury that changed her identity. For a while, she felt lost and frustrated. It was through this setback that she shifted her mindset, grew in her faith and stopped tying her happiness to performance or success. This year, she hopes to create unforgettable moments and show members that their worth is not defined by achievements. She hopes to show that through hard work, anything is possible!
These individuals are ready to embark on their year of service and give back to the Central Region!
