LIA Briefs

Congratulations to Dana Wood, Class 33, who was recently named Assistant CFO at Idaho Ag Credit to replace Jim Chase, Class 28, who will be retiring. The transition will happen in mid-summer. Dana has been the Manager at American Falls Idaho Ag Credit and will now relocate to the home office in Blackfoot. 

​Scott Jensen, Class 21, Owyhee County Extension Educator for several years has accepted a new position with the U of I CALS and the College of Natural Resources at the University of Idaho as an Area Extension Range Specialist. Scott will be based out of the U of I Center in Boise, but will spend most of his time in his truck as his traveling office. Scott is also serving as President of the National Association of County Agents.

Sympathy is extended to the family of Patti Harris, Class 26, who passed away on February 22 at the age of 69. Patti had worked most of her career for USDA Farm Service Agency. Patti fought cancer for the past few years after early retirement from USDA. Patti was in attendance at the LIA Congressional BBQ in August and enjoyed her time of fellowship with old friends and meeting new folks – always a delight to Patti.

Katie Baker, Class 42, has announced that she is leaving her position as Executive Director for FARE (Food, Agriculture, Restaurant Establishments). Katie was in on the ground floor of establishing FARE and helped the industry navigate some rough water during the pandemic in 2020-2021. If you are interested in learning more about the position that Katie held, contact the LIA office.

Teri Murrison, LIA Affiliate Member announced her retirement as Executive Director for the Idaho Coalition of Land Trusts (ICOLT). Lovina Englund, Class 35, is president of ICOLT. If you want to learn more about ICOLT and the position that Teri is retiring from, contact Lovina at [email protected] or call
208-669-0722.

Front and center at the 2024 LIA Gala and Dinner was Pat Purdy, Class 30, and his family. Pat was presented the Founder’s Club Award during the event that evening. Pat currently serves as a trustee for LIA. Pat serves as Farm Manager of Purdy Livestock Company and as Co-owner/CFO of Purdy Enterprises which owns and operates a number of businesses in Picabo and Boise. 

After 15 years at Association Management Group, Kyra Gibson, Class 35, announced she would be expanding her role and increasing her responsibilities with Lowe Family Farmstead, where she has been working in Community Relations and Human Resources since 2011. Kyra plans to work primarily from home, which will also allow more flexibility and involvement with the activities of her two young daughters. She will continue as the Executive Director for Big I Idaho representing Property/Casualty Companies in Idaho. Lowe Family Farmstead is owned and operated by Jim Lowe, Class 31, and wife Hillary in Kuna. 

The following LIA alumni were presented Lifetime Memberships by the LIA Board of Trustees based upon 20 years of annual membership since their graduation:

• Bas Hargrove, Class 22
• Joe Kennedy, Class 21
• Ronda Hirynck, Class 9
• Chad Neeley, Class 19 

 
Additional Lifetime Membership Awards were presented to the following alumni: 

• Rena Byington, Class 41
• Gabe Flick, Class 41 
• Greg Gipson, Class 40
• Jace Johnson, Class 40
• Trevor Knudsen, Class 43
• Bronson Larsen, Class 43
• Lacey Papageorge, Class 42 
• Deb Easterday Reeves, Class 41
• Cori Wittman-Stitt, Class 40 
• Stephanie Etter, Class 26
• Ryan Franco, Class 43
• Allison Jenkins, Class 43
• Corbin Knowles, Class 43
• Sharayh Krantz, Class 43
• Nate McBride, Class 42
• Nicholas Purdy, Class 42
• Chelicy Wanders, Class 40

The following LIA Alumni were presented 10-year membership awards with the LIA Foundation: 

• Lynn Bachman, Class 31
• Tony Ketterling, Class 31
• Mitch Whitmill, Class 31
• Nate Fowler, Class 33
• Ryan Miller, Class 33
• Mark Zirschky, Class 32

A new record was set for the LIA Gala and Auction - $187,891. This beats the prior record set in 2022 of $160,632. Thanks to everyone for contributions, participation and purchasing to make the evening such a huge success. A special thanks to the LIA auction Committee and the LIA Auction Leadership Team and Development Director, Kendra Dustin, for their work in pulling the annual event together.