Photography: Getty Images, David Shvartsman, ANDREY DENISYUK, filo
Since FFA is a premier student-run leadership organization, it’s no surprise there’s a strong blue-and-gold presence in our nation’s capital. Thanks to the National FFA Organization’s Washington Leadership Conference and State Officer Summit, which are held in Washington, D.C., opportunities to grow your policy awareness and strengthen your advocacy skills are endless. It’s also a great place to explore career opportunities through internships, mentoring relationships and part- or full-time positions.
By pursuing roles focused in policy and legislation, governmental affairs, communications, consulting and more, these six FFA Alums are applying what they learned in FFA and continuing to propel our country forward.
Brooke Rollins
- Current Role: Secretary of Agriculture, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
- FFA Involvement: Glen Rose FFA Alumna; Texas FFA state first vice president (1990-91)
- Education: Texas A&M University, BS in agricultural development; the University of Texas School of Law, JD
Members of the 1990-91 Texas FFA State Officer Team reunite to celebrate Brooke Rollins’ (fifth from right) USDA appointment. Photo courtesy of Lydia Johnson/Agri-Pulse.
As a Howe FFA member from Texas, I experienced the special kind of relationship FFA officer teams can create. However, nothing compares to what I witnessed on Jan. 23, 2025, when the 1990-91 Texas FFA state officer team gathered in Washington, D.C., to support one of its own, Brooke Rollins, during her Senate confirmation hearing.
“It was such a defining moment,” says 1990- 91 Texas FFA state vice president Melinda (Beckendorf) Gordon. “It truly summed up who we are as a team and as individuals. Our connection can’t be explained in words; we truly love and adore each other.”
Rollins’ mother, Helen Kerwin, along with her agriculture teacher and Glen Rose FFA advisor, Gary Rosenbusch, encouraged her to pursue FFA opportunities like showing goats, public speaking and running for state office. “Before I was elected, my mom and sisters were my only family,” Rollins says. “The state officer team I served with became my family, too.”
Serving as a Texas FFA state officer helped Rollins (back row, third from right) unlock her leadership potential and develop lifelong friendships with her nine teammates. Photo courtesy of Jennifer Jackson/Texas FFA Association.
Her year of service to the Texas FFA Association sparked a desire to continue developing her leadership skills. After high school, Rollins made history as the first female student body president of Texas A&M University before attending law school. She then worked for former Texas governor Rick Perry, ran the Texas Public Policy Foundation, became the founding president and chief executive officer of the American First Policy Institute and held roles under President Donald Trump’s administration before her most recent appointment to the USDA.
The 1990-91 Texas FFA state officer team wasn’t just a group of individuals; they were a team that supported one another, led and had fun. Thirty-five years later, I hope their bond inspires you to be the teammate your chapter, state and this organization needs.
Submitted by 2024-25 FFA in the USA Reporter Camryn Craddock
Tracey Mann
- Current Role: United States Representative, Kansas First District; Co-Founder and Chair, Congressional FFA Caucus
- FFA Involvement: Quinter FFA Alumnus
- Education: Kansas State University, BS in agricultural economics
Photo courtesy of the Office of Congressman Tracey Mann (KS-01).
Tracey Mann’s world revolves around relationships. As the fifth generation to grow up on his family farm, he now represents the needs and interests of farmers, ranchers and producers in his home state of Kansas. The three-time chapter officer also applies the networking and public speaking skills he gained in FFA to his role as a U.S. Congressman.
“I had been around agriculture and understood the importance of sound food and farm policy, but my experiences in FFA taught me how to advocate for those,” Mann says. “I’m also grateful for the lessons I learned from my advisor and his leadership of our program. He was a great mentor, teacher and friend.”
Tracey Mann honors his Kansas FFA roots by proudly wearing his corduroy jacket. Photo courtesy of the Office of Congressman Tracey Mann (KS-01).
After being elected to Congress in 2020, Mann recognized a need to support school-based agricultural education and career and technical education in Washington, D.C. So, he worked with Representative Jimmy Panetta to establish the Congressional FFA Caucus in 2021.
“We wanted to create a group dedicated to strengthening the next generation of agricultural leaders and students pursuing careers in agriculture, food, natural resources and related sciences,” Mann says. “[The Caucus] reflects a broad coalition of individuals who want to support those who will feed, clothe and fuel the world.”
Mann encourages FFA members and alums interested in policy-focused careers to lean into their existing networks and to not be afraid of making new connections.
“Get involved at the local level and be involved in your communities,” he adds. “Take advantage of the leadership skills and professional development opportunities available in FFA. Lastly, be curious, learn as much as you can and don’t be afraid to use your voice.”
Venus Welch-White
- Current Role: Director of Government Relations, CropLife America; formerly the Acting Director of the Office of Agriculture and Rural Affairs; United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- FFA Involvement: Seminole Vocational Education Center FFA Alumna
- Education: Tuskegee University, BS in biology; MS and PhD in integrative biosciences
Photo courtesy of Venus Welch-White/EPA.
Taking veterinary assistance courses at her Florida high school helped Venus Welch-White develop an affinity for working with animals. Raising and showing cattle at county and state fairs as an FFA member also taught her about the time commitment and dedication needed to care for livestock.
“It solidified me as an ‘agriculture girl,’” she says.
Spending time around cattle was the spark that ignited Venus Welch-White’s interest in agriculture. Photo courtesy of Venus Welch-White.
Welch-White found her niche working in the intersection of agriculture and environmental policy. She began her federal government career as a Presidential Management Fellow working for the USDA’s Rural Development mission area. Six years later, she made the leap to the Environmental Protection Agency, where supported various agriculture-focused topics, before transitioning to her most recent position with Croplife America.
“To whom much is given, much is required, so I feel blessed to be in a position to advocate for all farmers, producers and the entire agriculture community,” Welch-White says. “One stakeholder told me, ‘I don’t know anyone who loves agriculture more than you.’”
For those interested in policy and legislation, Welch-White says to take risks and maximize opportunities to learn and grow. For example, interning with the Alabama State Senate and Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. (which is owned by Corteva Agriscience) in Iowa helped her understand how federal decisions and state policies impact local communities, enabling her to become an advocate for agriculture at the federal and state level.
“Everything you’re doing now will lead you to exactly where you are supposed to be,” Welch-White says. “There are both lessons and blessings in mistakes. In those moments, the difficulty doesn’t define you — it’s responding with kindness and grace, being accountable and your resilience that ultimately sets you apart.”
Michael Torrey
- Current Role: President, Torrey Advisory Group
- FFA Involvement: Wamego FFA Alumnus; Kansas FFA state officer (1982-83); Kansas FFA Star Agribusinessman (1982)
- Education: Kansas State University; BS in agricultural economics
Photo courtesy of Michael Torrey/Torrey Advisory Group.
As a Kansas FFA member and officer, Michael Torrey enjoyed participating in public and extemporaneous speaking, livestock judging and parliamentary procedure — competitions he says came naturally and taught him skills he applies today.
“Learning how to capture an audience and present facts in a succinct and meaningful way have served me well,” he says.
Michael Torrey (left) receives his American FFA Degree, the highest degree awarded to FFA members. Photo courtesy of Michael Torrey/Torrey Advisory Group.
After graduating from college and working for the Kansas Grain and Feed Association, Torrey spent 10 years in the public service sector. Today, “helping organizations that need to engage with the federal government” is the guiding purpose behind Torrey Advisory Group, which he founded in 2005.
“What I like about my current role is it’s more than a job — it’s a mission to help the industry I love and strongly believe in,” he says.
Torrey continues to give back through supporting a National FFA Foundation program that helps cover expenses for selected participants who attend the State Officer Summit.
Ashley Smith
- Current Role: Director of Government Affairs, Torrey Advisory Group
- FFA Involvement: Lowville FFA Alumna; New York FFA state president (2013-14); National FFA eastern region vice president (2016-17)
- Education: Morrisville State College, AAS in agricultural business; Tarleton State University, BS in agricultural communications
Ashley Smith’s (far left) year as a national FFA officer included visiting the nation’s capitol with her five teammates.
Trips to Albany, N.Y., and Washington, D.C., as an FFA member piqued former state and national officer Ashley Smith’s interest in lobbying on behalf of agriculture.
“I remember sitting on an airport runway after a trip to D.C. and texting a mentor who was working on Capitol Hill something along the lines of ‘I want to be back here someday,’” Smith says. “I didn’t know it at the time, but I was building a passion that would turn into a full-time career.”
During a trip to Washington, D.C., Smith toured the USDA. Photo courtesy of Ashley Smith.
Today, Smith works at Torrey Advisory Group, a multi-client agriculture and food consulting firm. Her main focus is what “impacts farmers’ bottom line and allows them to continue to produce a safe, abundant and affordable food supply.” In the process, she enjoys meeting new people and finding common ground.
“Don’t be afraid to send an email, make an introduction or set up a coffee date with someone,” she adds. “Be kind to everyone you meet and seek to learn from those around you.”
Chase Kusel
- Current Role: Director of Communications, National Farmers Union
- FFA Involvement: Benton County FFA Alumnus; Iowa FFA state secretary (2016-17); National FFA Agricultural Communications Career Development Event Committee (2024-Present)
- Education: Iowa State University, BS in public relations and minor in political science
Photo courtesy of Chase Kusel.
Chase Kusel grew up on his family’s row-crop farm in Iowa, but attributes his love for advocacy and storytelling to a willingness to say “yes” to new avenues and opportunities.
Kusel found his voice participating in chapter activities and FFA competitions. These experiences, combined with those he gained while serving as a state officer, also helped him discover different ways to be involved in the industry outside of farming. After college, he worked for several marketing and communications agencies before accepting his current role.
Chase Kusel (right) dove headfirst into FFA by competing in career development events. Photo courtesy of Chase Kusel.
“There’s no ‘right’ path in agriculture, and it’s OK if your future doesn’t look like everyone else’s,” Kusel says.
His professional mission is to “elevate the voices of family farmers, ranchers and rural communities.” Kusel’s position includes leading public policy messaging and media relations, digital content, events and grassroots advocacy efforts for National Farmers Union.
“I’ve found success by staying true to my roots, building strong relationships and never forgetting who I’m advocating for,” Kusel says. “FFA gave me a foundation, and I’ve continued to learn, grow and speak up for the people and places I care the most about.”
Leaders in Action
These FFA alums are also making strides in their chosen career paths.
- Lindsey Abentroth — Youth Coordinator, USDA
- Spencer Chase — Senior Director of Communications, Corn Refiners Association
- Lori Chavez DeRemer — Secretary, U.S. Department of Labor
- Jaye Hamby — Director, USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture
- Lydia Johnson — Associate Editor, Agri-Pulse Communications
- Sadie Knight — Director of Grassroots Advocacy, National Corn Growers Association
- Josie Monteney-Crawford — Professional Staff Member, U.S. Representatives House Committee on Agriculture
- Riley Pagett — Chief of Staff for Trade and Foreign Affairs, USDA
- Marty Tatman — Senior Director of Member Engagement, American Farm Bureau Federation
Opportunities Abound
Visit the National FFA Agricultural Literacy and Advocacy Platform to check out the four steps for effective advocacy, trending agriculture topics and issues, helpful modules and more. This platform is sponsored by corporate partners Growth Energy, Merck Animal Health, Nestlé USA and Syngenta.
