LIA Briefs

Congratulations to Alan Martinson, Class 27 who was elected as a Fire Commissioner on November 7 for Whitman County Fire District 12. WCFD 12 is the rural fire department for Pullman Washington. Alan lives in rural Pullman and has been a firefighter for Fire District 12 for 38 years. Alan was also a Co-Chair for Class 28 and served 2 terms on the Board of Trustees. He also serves as the Latah County Noxious Weed Superintendent.
 
Congratulations to Drew Eggers, Class 12 who was re-elected a Meridian Cemetery District Commissioner. Drew is retired from active farming and has been serving as Chairman of the board for the Cemetery District.
 
Congratulations to Jared Giles, Class 44 who was re-elected as a Fire Commissioner for the Rock Creek Fire District. Jared farms in the Hansen area.
 
Tobin Dixon, Class 39 has recently announced that he has accepted a new position as Deputy District Director for US Small Business Administration in the Boise District Office. Tobin has previously worked for USDA Rural Development.
 
Belated congratulations to Brenna Smith Christiansen, Class 37 and her husband Greg on the birth of a daughter Landry Ash on October 3. Landry weighed 6# 9oz and will now join older brother Gentry. Interestingly enough, Brenna’s sister had a baby the following day. Grandparents are twice blessed. Brenna is employed at the Idaho Wine Commission in Boise.
 
Congratulations to Hillary Lowe, wife of Jim Lowe, Class 31 who was successfully elected as a Kuna School Board Trustee on November 7. Jim and Hillary own and operate Lowe Family Farmstead near Kuna.
 
Congratulations to Justin Place, Class 37 who was recently elected president of the Idaho Grain Producers Association. Joining Justin the board is a new board member Larry Hollifield, Class 41. Justin farms in the Hamer area and Larry in Hansen.
 
Sympathy is extended to Eric Odberg, Class 11 in the passing of his mother on November 6. Eric farms in the Genesee area.
 
Sympathy to Scott Nicholson, Class 14 in the recent passing of his mother Diana Nicholson. Scott and his family are involved in the family business with his parents Nicholson Land and Livestock.  

Recently, Idaho Business Review released a list of Idaho Industry’s Influencers. Among those listed and profiled were Wayne Hammon, Class 14 who serves as CEO of Idaho Associated General Contractors, a position he has held for the past 11 years. Also named was Moya Dolsby, Class 30 Executive Director of the Idaho Grape Growers and Wine Producers Commission a position Moya has held for the past 15 years.

Recent announcements of running for the Idaho Legislature in 2024 include Robert Blair, Class 26, owner of AIGEN Solutions and also a farmer, will be running for a Senate seat in District 6. Laurie Lickley, LIA Affiliate Member will be running for a Senate seat in District 26.
 
Several LIA alumni joined Governor Brad Little on his most recent Trade Mission to Mexico. Those attending included, Laura Johnson, Class 11; Jarom Jemmett, Class 39; Richard Durrant, Class 9; and Candi Fitch, Class 28. The group was there for the purpose of advancing the trade of Idaho products with Mexico. 
 
We have several members of Class 44 that are tied to alumni of LIA. Curt Jones, is the son of Ron Jones, Class 2; Bri Eggers is the daughter of Drew Eggers, Class 12; Christina Machado is the wife of Mike Machado, Class 40; Derek Wanders is the husband of Chelicy Wanders, Class 40 and Mandie Seward is the granddaughter of Larry Simineo, Class 1.

​Nathan Riggers, Class 12 was the speaker at the North Idaho Regional Event. Nathan was serving as Chairman of the Board for Northwest Farm Credit Services at the time of the merger with AgWest Farm Credit California and then was elected chairman of the newly merged Board of Directors. Nathan farms with his son in the Nez Perce, Idaho area. The theme of his presentation was “My Leadership Journey.” 

At the North Idaho Regional Event we enjoyed reconnecting with some early graduates in the LIA program: David Galantuomini, Class 1, Russ Zenner, Class 3 and Doug Scoville, Class 6. We appreciate the faithful participation of these alumni members.
 
Twenty-nine individuals attended the second State Exchange to Louisiana November 12-17. The group had the opportunity to visit several farming operations raising sugarcane, rice, crawfish, and World Headquarters for Tabasco. They also visited production plants for sugarcane processing, Community Coffee, and rice processing. Most of the speakers on the tour were graduates of the Louisiana Ag Leadership program. The Louisiana program is structured differently than the Idaho program and it was interesting to learn from their alumni about their personal experiences.
 
Serving as co-chairman for LIA Class 44 are Shawn Boyle, Class 41 who serves as President and General Counsel for Idaho Growers Shippers Association and Joel Packham, Class 9 who recently retired in June from U of I CALS Extension system after serving in Caribou and Cassia Counties as an Extension Educator.
  
Correction from the last LIA Brief: Ashlee Struble, Class 43 was listed twice for the same position involved with Riverglen Jr. High PAWS group. However, one of the listings should have been her recent election to the Visit Garden City Board.
 
Remember to pay your 2023-2024 dues. They can be paid online at www.leadershipidahoag.org or you can call the office and speak directly with Patty at 208-888-0988. The new 2023-2024 directories have arrived, and we are anxious to get one to you for your use. All dues paying members (Lifetime and Annual) receive a complimentary directory.