LEAD Maryland Foundation

09/23/2026

Introducing LEAD Maryland Class XIV Fellow, Kimmi Doran Lyons!

Kimmi, Harford County, is an Agricultural Business Development Associate with Harford County Government.

When asked what she has gained from her LEAD Maryland experience so far, Kimmi shared, “I have been able to see different perspectives on how various organizations, counties, and types of farms have handled issues and challenges.”

Kimmi expressed, “Speaking to my classmates has given me the perspective that most people in agriculture, regardless of their roles, are trying to accomplish the same goal: preserving agriculture and feeding our communities, all while working on different ideas and programs.”

Thank you, Kimmi, for the insight and experience you bring to Class XIV!

09/16/2026

Introducing LEAD Maryland Class XIV Fellow, Julianna Burns!

Julianna, Howard County, is an Agriculture Resource Conservation Planner with the Maryland Department of Agriculture and an Extension Program Assistant with Talbot County.

Julianna expressed, “LEAD has given me the opportunity to connect with professionals whose experiences are very different from my own, and I look forward to continuing to learn from those perspectives while developing leadership skills I can apply throughout my career.”

When asked what she hopes to gain from her LEAD Maryland experience, Julianna said, “Visiting different regions of Maryland and hearing from leaders across agriculture, natural resources, government, and industry has reinforced that every community faces unique opportunities and challenges. Those experiences have made me a better listener and a more thoughtful leader.

Julianna shared a lesson that has guided her leadership: “Growing up on a farm taught me that leadership starts with listening. Every agricultural operation and every person has different goals, challenges, and experiences. I’ve found that taking the time to understand someone’s perspective leads to stronger relationships and better solutions than assuming there’s a one-size-fits-all answer.”

Thank you, Julianna, for the insight and experience you bring to Class XIV!

09/11/2026

Introducing LEAD Maryland Class XIV Fellow, Jenna Zimmerman!

Jenna, Frederick County, is a Land Preservation Specialist with Frederick County Office of Agriculture.

Jenna shared, “One lesson that has consistently guided my leadership is that meaningful progress begins with listening. Throughout my work with farmers and landowners, I have learned that every property, every operation, and every family has a unique story. Taking the time to understand their goals, concerns, and values builds trust and creates opportunities for solutions that benefit both the landowner and the broader community.”

Jenna expressed, “One experience from LEAD Maryland that has stayed with me is the opportunity to engage with people whose backgrounds and perspectives are very different from my own. While we all share a commitment to agriculture and rural communities, our experiences span farming, agribusiness, government, education, conservation, and food systems. Hearing how others approach challenges has reminded me that the best solutions are often developed through collaboration rather than working in isolation. That experience has reinforced the importance of building relationships across industries and being willing to listen before offering solutions. It has also helped me recognize that leadership is not only about advocating for your own perspective but also about understanding the needs and priorities of others to find common ground.”

Thank you, Jenna, for the insight and experience you bring to Class XIV!

09/09/2026

Introducing LEAD Maryland Class XIV Fellow, Kara Hutchison-Davis!

Kara, Caroline County, is the fifth generation on her family’s grain and processing vegetable operation in Cordova, Maryland.

Kara shared what she is most looking forward to learning through her LEAD Maryland experience: “I’m most looking forward to learning how our class approaches the challenges the agriculture industry faces and to learning from other perspectives I may not have considered before. Each of our individual experiences and knowledge shapes how we look at these issues, and sharing those perspectives will allow us to gain greater insight together.”

When asked what she has gained from her LEAD Maryland experience, Kara responded, “Throughout our seminars so far, I have gained an appreciation for everyone’s agriculture story, especially those that are different from mine, and the areas of agriculture that I didn’t see growing up. At our Garrett County seminar, I learned so much about the careful planning and consideration that goes into timber harvesting to protect forest ecosystems.”

Kara shared what inspired her to apply for the Fellowship Program: “Growing up, my family emphasized that you should always want to learn more to better yourself and to be able to make better informed decisions. I want a deeper understanding of our agriculture industry so I can better serve it.”

Thank you, Kara, for the insight and experience you bring to Class XIV!

09/04/2026

Thank you to all of the LEADers who scooped ice cream at the Maryland State Fair today!

It’s Salted Caramel day from Walnut Ridge Farm / Moo Cow Creamery at the YF&R Dairy Bar at the Maryland State Fair!

Heading the Dairy Bar today is the team from LEAD Maryland Foundation! Come say “Hi!” And grab some ice cream!

09/04/2026

Introducing LEAD Maryland Class XIV Fellow, Jasmine Yu, Ph.D.!

Jasmine, Charles County, is the Program Manager of Agricultural Innovation with ClearPath.

Jasmine shared what inspired her to apply for the LEAD Maryland Fellowship Program: “I analyze and develop federal agriculture policy and want to make sure the policies I work on benefit American farmers and ranchers. I saw LEAD MD as a great opportunity to learn from and connect with producers to inform how I think about agriculture policy. I also want to be more engaged with my community and ensure agriculture is well represented across Maryland.”

When asked what she has gained from her LEAD Maryland experience so far, Jasmine shared, “It’s helped me really appreciate the uniqueness and complexity of U.S. agriculture and how valuable collaboration and information sharing will be for widespread voluntary adoption of innovation. It’s not just about creating the best tool, but showing how it’s worked well under similar environments and agronomic conditions again and again.”

Jasmine expressed, “Everyone I’ve met is so passionate about Maryland agriculture and has creative and thought-out ideas on how to maintain and improve it; it’s very inspiring.”

Thank you, Jasmine, for the insight and experience you bring to Class XIV!

09/03/2026

Lots of LEADers in action through the Maryland Soybean Board!

09/02/2026

Introducing LEAD Maryland Class XIV Fellow, Hayden Schug!

Hayden, Charles County, is an Agriculture and Food Systems Educator with the University of Maryland Extension - Charles County.

Hayden shared, “One experience that stood out to me was getting to visit Western Maryland and learn more about the forestry industry. I was especially impressed with the Maryland Mountain Loggers Association and how connected they are to their local communities, along with the amount of philanthropy they have done over the years. It showed me how important agricultural and natural resource organizations can be beyond the industries they represent. Seeing that connection gave me a better appreciation for forestry in Maryland.”

When asked what he hopes to gain from his LEAD Maryland experience, Hayden shared, “I hope to gain a better understanding of Maryland agriculture beyond the production challenges I work with every day. One of the best parts of LEAD has been meeting people from different industries and hearing how they approach the challenges they face. I'm excited to incorporate those different perspectives into my own work so I can better help the farmers I work with address the issues they face every day.”

Thank you, Hayden, for the insight and experience you bring to Class XIV!

08/26/2026

Introducing LEAD Maryland Class XIV Fellow, Kim Schoonover!

Kim, Caroline County, is a Senior Ag Relationship Manager with Horizon Farm Credit.

Kim shared what she is most looking forward to through her LEAD Maryland experience: “Through LEAD Maryland, I am most looking forward to gaining a broader understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing Maryland agriculture and rural communities beyond my own region and professional experience. As an Ag Relationship Manager, I work closely with producers and agribusinesses every day, but I want to deepen my understanding of how public policy, environmental stewardship, global markets, technology, and consumer trends impact the future of our industry.”

Furthermore, Kim expressed, “I enjoy building relationships, facilitating discussions, and helping connect people and resources, and I hope to contribute those strengths to the cohort. Equally important, I recognize that every class member brings unique experiences and expertise. I am learning from my classmates' perspectives as producers, industry professionals, and community leaders whose backgrounds differ from my own. Their experiences provide valuable insight into the realities of Maryland agriculture, natural resources, and rural communities across the state. By listening to their stories, challenges, and successes, I am gaining a broader understanding of the issues impacting our industry and discovering new ways to think about leadership, collaboration, and problem-solving.”

Thank you, Kim, for the insight and experience you bring to Class XIV!

08/21/2026

Introducing LEAD Maryland Class XIV Fellow, Rachel Norris-Achterberg!

Rachel, Calvert County, is a farmer and Fiscal Grants Coordinator with the Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission.

When asked what she has gained from her LEAD Maryland experience so far, Rachel shared, “I have gained a true connection to the world of farming. As a first-generation farmer, I often feel out of place in spaces where lifelong and generational farmers fill the halls. LEAD has been the complete opposite. My cohort is intrigued and curious about the issues we face. They are invested in keeping farmers profitable and care about you as an individual. We each took very different paths to LEAD Maryland, and those different experiences bring valuable perspectives to every conversation.”

Rachel expressed, “I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland and the Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission. Their investment is not only in my personal and professional growth, but also in the future of our community and agriculture in Southern Maryland. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to learn, grow, and bring these experiences back to the people and communities we serve!”

Thank you, Rachel, for the insight and experience you bring to Class XIV!