LIA Team
Announcing Rick Waitley's Transition to Executive Director Emeritus:
Celebrating a Distinguished Legacy and Embracing a New Chapter
After 32 years of dedicated service and visionary leadership that has shaped the Leadership Idaho Agriculture organization, Dr. Rick Waitley will be transitioning from his role as Executive Director to Executive Director Emeritus. This honorary designation recognizes Rick’s invaluable contributions to our mission and honors the enduring legacy he has built.
As Executive Director Emeritus, Dr. Waitley will continue to offer his experience, wisdom, and guidance, supporting the organization in a new capacity while empowering the next generation of leadership. This transition is both a celebration of Rick’s remarkable achievements and a testament to the strong foundation he helped create — one upon which we will continue to grow and thrive.
Dr. Waitley (Rick) is the longest-serving Executive Director in LIA’s history. During his tenure, Rick has overseen 37 classes and facilitated the graduation of 1,093 individuals through the program. Since his appointment in 1993, the organization has experienced significant growth in the number of leaders developed within the agriculture industry and rural Idaho, and that impact can be seen throughout the state.
“Rick has served the organization with distinction over the past 32 years. It is difficult to fully express our appreciation for the profound impact and legacy he leaves. Almost all current board members were once students in the LIA program under Rick's leadership and witnessed firsthand the influence he has had on us individually and the organization as a whole. We are deeply appreciative of his dedicated service and exemplary leadership.”
– Malia Miller, Past Chairman, LIA Board of Trustees
To ensure a seamless and effective transition, Rick will collaborate closely with the LIA leadership team and provide advisory support with the onboarding of the current class, consulting on program development, instruction, and strategic initiatives. In addition to retaining some existing clients, Rick has accepted the position of Director of Ministry Opportunities at Valley Shepherd Nazarene Church in Meridian.
“One of the most rewarding parts of the position I have held has been the relationships built with people all around the state of Idaho. I owe a great deal to my wife, Dorita, for her steady support through the years. LIA has grown not only in numbers but in reputation to be one of the premier leadership development programs in Idaho. I am proud of LIA graduates who have assumed roles of leadership in their local communities, in our state, and across the US. The number of activities coordinated through LIA has grown since the inception of the program in 1985.”
– Dr. Rick Waitley, LIA Executive Director Emeritus
As Executive Director Emeritus, Dr. Waitley will continue to offer his experience, wisdom, and guidance, supporting the organization in a new capacity while empowering the next generation of leadership. This transition is both a celebration of Rick’s remarkable achievements and a testament to the strong foundation he helped create — one upon which we will continue to grow and thrive.
Dr. Waitley (Rick) is the longest-serving Executive Director in LIA’s history. During his tenure, Rick has overseen 37 classes and facilitated the graduation of 1,093 individuals through the program. Since his appointment in 1993, the organization has experienced significant growth in the number of leaders developed within the agriculture industry and rural Idaho, and that impact can be seen throughout the state.
“Rick has served the organization with distinction over the past 32 years. It is difficult to fully express our appreciation for the profound impact and legacy he leaves. Almost all current board members were once students in the LIA program under Rick's leadership and witnessed firsthand the influence he has had on us individually and the organization as a whole. We are deeply appreciative of his dedicated service and exemplary leadership.”
– Malia Miller, Past Chairman, LIA Board of Trustees
To ensure a seamless and effective transition, Rick will collaborate closely with the LIA leadership team and provide advisory support with the onboarding of the current class, consulting on program development, instruction, and strategic initiatives. In addition to retaining some existing clients, Rick has accepted the position of Director of Ministry Opportunities at Valley Shepherd Nazarene Church in Meridian.
“One of the most rewarding parts of the position I have held has been the relationships built with people all around the state of Idaho. I owe a great deal to my wife, Dorita, for her steady support through the years. LIA has grown not only in numbers but in reputation to be one of the premier leadership development programs in Idaho. I am proud of LIA graduates who have assumed roles of leadership in their local communities, in our state, and across the US. The number of activities coordinated through LIA has grown since the inception of the program in 1985.”
– Dr. Rick Waitley, LIA Executive Director Emeritus
Kendra Dustin Named LIA Executive Director
Kendra Dustin, a graduate of LIA Class 32, assumed the role of LIA Executive Director on September 1, 2025. Kendra has served as the Development Director for LIA since 2011 and brings to this role 14 years of experience with the organization in fundraising, program development, alumni relations, and management. During her tenure, LIA’s operating budget has substantially increased, enabling additional alumni programming opportunities. Kendra worked closely with Dr. Waitley during his time as Executive Director on initiatives to expand LIA’s reach beyond the core program, and together they implemented programs including State and International Exchange Tours, Washington DC Experience, Congressional Aides Fact Finding Tour, and hosting State Ag Leadership Programs Tours.
“The LIA Board has been working through this transition over the past year, and we are confident in Kendra’s ability to step into the Executive Director position and effectively lead LIA. Kendra will work closely with Rick as she transitions into her new responsibilities which include overseeing the organizational management, long-term planning, finances, membership, strategic partnerships, alumni engagement, and program development. Kendra will also continue the work she has done in the development of partnerships and financial support for the LIA organization which are essential to the organization’s sustained success.”
– Travis Lammers, Chairman, LIA Board of Trustees
Kendra is the owner of K1 Consulting, a firm dedicated to working with clients on developing strategic partnerships, fundraising initiatives, capital campaigns, association conferences, and grant writing. Kendra is passionate about agricultural education, leadership development, and preservation of the western heritage. An Idaho native, Kendra holds a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Business from Northwest Nazarene University. She resides in Meridian with her husband, Glenn, and is the stepmom of two adult children.
“It is truly an honor to be selected as the next Executive Director of Leadership Idaho Agriculture. LIA has been a part of my personal and professional life for as long as I can remember, and I appreciate the Board’s confidence in my ability to further the mission and ongoing contributions of LIA. I whole-heartedly believe this is the greatest leadership organization in the state working to preserve agriculture, Idaho’s most important industry. I am committed to building upon the strong foundation established by Rick during his 32 years of leadership, and hope that I can honor his legacy while working to advance the mission and impact of Leadership Idaho Agriculture."
– Kendra Dustin, LIA Executive Director
“The LIA Board has been working through this transition over the past year, and we are confident in Kendra’s ability to step into the Executive Director position and effectively lead LIA. Kendra will work closely with Rick as she transitions into her new responsibilities which include overseeing the organizational management, long-term planning, finances, membership, strategic partnerships, alumni engagement, and program development. Kendra will also continue the work she has done in the development of partnerships and financial support for the LIA organization which are essential to the organization’s sustained success.”
– Travis Lammers, Chairman, LIA Board of Trustees
Kendra is the owner of K1 Consulting, a firm dedicated to working with clients on developing strategic partnerships, fundraising initiatives, capital campaigns, association conferences, and grant writing. Kendra is passionate about agricultural education, leadership development, and preservation of the western heritage. An Idaho native, Kendra holds a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Business from Northwest Nazarene University. She resides in Meridian with her husband, Glenn, and is the stepmom of two adult children.
“It is truly an honor to be selected as the next Executive Director of Leadership Idaho Agriculture. LIA has been a part of my personal and professional life for as long as I can remember, and I appreciate the Board’s confidence in my ability to further the mission and ongoing contributions of LIA. I whole-heartedly believe this is the greatest leadership organization in the state working to preserve agriculture, Idaho’s most important industry. I am committed to building upon the strong foundation established by Rick during his 32 years of leadership, and hope that I can honor his legacy while working to advance the mission and impact of Leadership Idaho Agriculture."
– Kendra Dustin, LIA Executive Director
Shawn Boyle Named to New LIA Program Director Position
To support LIA’s strategic objectives and sustained growth, the Board of Trustees has established the new role of LIA Program Director, dedicated to overseeing class instruction and program development. Effective September 1, 2025, Shawn Boyle, a graduate of LIA Class 41, has been hired for this position. Shawn will work closely with Dr. Waitley in coordinating LIA Class 46 which launches in November.
After graduating from LIA Class 41, Shawn continued to invest in LIA by serving as Co-Chair for Classes 43 and 44, along with involvement in the Boise Session of Class 45. In 2023, he received the Samantha Ramsay LIA Innovation Award for his work in agricultural land development in eastern Idaho. In 2025, the LIA Foundation recognized him for his service and contributions to education within Idaho agriculture.
“Leadership Idaho Agriculture has had a profound impact on my life—both personally and professionally. I am honored and excited to step into this role and help cultivate the next generation of leaders who will carry Idaho agriculture forward. It is easy to serve a program, a state, and an industry that has given so much to me and my family. I have great respect and admiration for my friend and mentor, Rick Waitley, whose leadership has shaped LIA for 32 years. I also look forward to working alongside LIA’s new Executive Director, Kendra Dustin, as we build on the strong foundation that has made this program so impactful. Thank you to the LIA Board of Trustees for their leadership throughout this process and for the confidence they have placed in me.”
– Shawn Boyle, LIA Program Director
Shawn is a sixth-generation Idahoan and brings a deep-rooted passion for Idaho agriculture to his new role as Program Director of Leadership Idaho Agriculture. In addition to the Program Director role for LIA, he currently serves as Executive Director and Legal Counsel for the Idaho Grower Shippers Association, which represents Idaho’s potato marketers and shippers. Shawn resides in Idaho Falls and is married to his high school sweetheart, Chelsie, and they have three children.
“Succession has been a primary focus of discussion by the Board of Trustees in their last two Strategic Planning Sessions. I appreciate their patience as we have worked through this process over the past few years. I feel fortunate to have been able to work so closely with the Board on the selection of the individuals who will now take over the leadership of LIA. I have complete confidence in both Kendra and Shawn, and their ability to guide and direct the mission of LIA into the future."
– Dr. Rick Waitley, LIA Executive Director Emeritus
As a board, we would like to once again extend our appreciation to Dr. Rick Waitley for his invaluable service to LIA, to congratulate Kendra on her new role within the organization, and to welcome Shawn as the newest member of the LIA team. While this is a time of significant transition in the life of LIA, we are excited as we look to the future. Since 1985, the Leadership Idaho Agriculture program has benefited countless individuals. Together, we will continue our proud tradition of educating and equipping leaders who will advocate for Idaho agriculture for generations to come.
After graduating from LIA Class 41, Shawn continued to invest in LIA by serving as Co-Chair for Classes 43 and 44, along with involvement in the Boise Session of Class 45. In 2023, he received the Samantha Ramsay LIA Innovation Award for his work in agricultural land development in eastern Idaho. In 2025, the LIA Foundation recognized him for his service and contributions to education within Idaho agriculture.
“Leadership Idaho Agriculture has had a profound impact on my life—both personally and professionally. I am honored and excited to step into this role and help cultivate the next generation of leaders who will carry Idaho agriculture forward. It is easy to serve a program, a state, and an industry that has given so much to me and my family. I have great respect and admiration for my friend and mentor, Rick Waitley, whose leadership has shaped LIA for 32 years. I also look forward to working alongside LIA’s new Executive Director, Kendra Dustin, as we build on the strong foundation that has made this program so impactful. Thank you to the LIA Board of Trustees for their leadership throughout this process and for the confidence they have placed in me.”
– Shawn Boyle, LIA Program Director
Shawn is a sixth-generation Idahoan and brings a deep-rooted passion for Idaho agriculture to his new role as Program Director of Leadership Idaho Agriculture. In addition to the Program Director role for LIA, he currently serves as Executive Director and Legal Counsel for the Idaho Grower Shippers Association, which represents Idaho’s potato marketers and shippers. Shawn resides in Idaho Falls and is married to his high school sweetheart, Chelsie, and they have three children.
“Succession has been a primary focus of discussion by the Board of Trustees in their last two Strategic Planning Sessions. I appreciate their patience as we have worked through this process over the past few years. I feel fortunate to have been able to work so closely with the Board on the selection of the individuals who will now take over the leadership of LIA. I have complete confidence in both Kendra and Shawn, and their ability to guide and direct the mission of LIA into the future."
– Dr. Rick Waitley, LIA Executive Director Emeritus
As a board, we would like to once again extend our appreciation to Dr. Rick Waitley for his invaluable service to LIA, to congratulate Kendra on her new role within the organization, and to welcome Shawn as the newest member of the LIA team. While this is a time of significant transition in the life of LIA, we are excited as we look to the future. Since 1985, the Leadership Idaho Agriculture program has benefited countless individuals. Together, we will continue our proud tradition of educating and equipping leaders who will advocate for Idaho agriculture for generations to come.
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Britt Beene (Class 36)
Corteva Agriscience Rupert, ID Kolby Carpenter (Class 41) AgWest Farm Credit Burley, ID Gabe Flick (Class 41) Production Agriculture Ontario, OR Andy Kaler (Non-Graduate) J.R. Simplot Company Meridian, ID Connor Lankford (Class 41) Valley Agronomics American Falls, ID Dennis Merrick (Class 39) Idaho Power Nampa, ID Jim Miller (Class 29) PAWS Vet Clinic Moscow, ID |
Justin Patten (Class 21)
Idaho Farm Bureau Federation Blackfoot, ID Pat Purdy (Class 30) Production Agriculture Boise, ID Will Ricks (Class 27) Production Agriculture Monteview, ID Lisa Shively (Class 15) Production Agriculture Terreton, ID Blair Wilson (Class 11) Retired Boise, ID Kyle Woods (Class 32) Associated Insurance Services Boise, ID Monica Youree (Class 42) Western Range Association Twin Falls, ID |