LIA Briefs

Congratulations to Terrell Sorensen, Class 13, who retired the end of February. Terrell finished his career as the U of I Extension Power County Extension Educator. Terrell previously served as Manager of Falls Irrigation. 

Congratulations to Doug Robison, Class 29, Idaho President of AgWest Farm Credit who was presented the U of I CALS Distinguished Associate Alumni Award recently. Doug shared the stage with Patxi Larrocea-Phillips, Class 41, who received the U of I CALS Early Career Achievement Award. Last fall, Jim Miller, Class 29, received the U of I CALS Distinguished Alumni Award. 

Congratulations to Karma Metzler Fitzgerald, Class 41, who will serve as a mentor for the Conservation Voters of Idaho Boards and Commissions Fellowship. The Fellowship is designed to increase representation diversity of Idaho's boards and commissions, develop civic leadership skills and provide policy training. As a mentor Metzler Fitzgerald will work one-on-one with her fellow offering guidance and advice where needed.

Congratulations to Craig Quarterman, Class 38, who was named by Congressman Mike Simpson to be the new District Director for the Congressman. Craig has served on the Simpson team as Natural Resources and Agriculture Director for the past six years. 

Congratulations to Pamela Pavek, Class 43, who was named by USDA NRCS with the Hugh Hammond Bennett National Planner Award. Pamela is based out of Moscow with the USDA NRCS. Her Father had a 38.5 year career with NRSC in Nebraska. 

Congratulations to Lizzie Allender, Class 43, who was named by AgWest Farm Credit as the Assistant Vice President for Corporate Insurance. Lizzie is based in the Nampa office.

Congratulations to Kendra Dustin, Class 32, recently elected Vice President of the Caldwell Western Heritage Foundation,

Sympathy is extended to Dan Whiting, Class 22, on the recent passing of his mother. Dan resides in Maryland and works for National Fragile X Foundation. His mom lived in Meridian.

Congratulations to Katie Mosman Wilson, Class 39, and her husband Chris on the birth of Isabelle Marie on January 11. Isabelle joins sister Evelyn. Katie works for the Idaho Digital Learning Alliance as the Subject Matter Expert Lead.

Congratulations to Jake Briscoe, Class 42, and his wife Courtney on the birth of son Jackson Timothy on Monday, January 30. Jackson was a popular participant in the 2023 LIA Gala Dinner and Auction as the youngest attendee. Jake is involved in a family farming operation near Grand View.

LIA Alumni and friends celebrated the 2023 Gala Dinner and Auction. A total of $147,570 was raised toward programs and activities of LIA. Thanks to everyone who contributed, participated, invested and the Auction Committee who helped to make it all happen.

Several awards were presented at Graduation for Class 43:

• Wayne Meyer Statesman Award – to Josh Tewalt, Class 22, currently serving as Director of the Idaho Department of Corrections
• Samantha Ramsey Innovation Award – to Shawn Boyle, Class 41, who is the CEO and General Counsel for the Idaho Grower Shippers Association
• David Sparrow Stake in the Ground Award – Tay Brackett, Class 43. Tay and her husband Jared operate a ranching operation south of Twin Falls.
• Friend of LIA Awards: Stacey Satterlee, Executive Director Idaho Grain Producers Association, Pam Eaton, Idaho Retailers Association, Ron Jones, Class 2, Jones Consulting, Linda Rider, Class 22, Rider Ranch and Agri-tourism, and Travis Blacker, Idaho Potato Commission.
• Founder’s Club Award – Chris Brown, Baker Auction Services
• Legacy Farm Family – McIntyre Farms – Loren, Class 32, Ben, Class 29, and Brad, Class 29, located in Marsing, Idaho. Thanks Ada County Farm Bureau for your support and sponsorship of this recognition.

Congratulations to Josh Tewalt, Class 22, whose wife Chanel was recently appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate as the Director of the Idaho State Department of Agriculture.