Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors is made up of many individuals representing the full spectrum of the agricultural industry. They play a key role in the direction of the Center, program development, workforce training, and continued education. Members of the Board represent the 8 career pathways represented in the Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources industry. 
Here is our Board Charter.
- Jeff Ward, Co-founder, Prime Pork (Animal Pathway), Chairman
- Bob Zelenka, Past Executive Director, MN Grain and Feed Association (Plant Pathway)
- Todd Martin, Service Director, Arnold's (Power, Structural and Technical Systems Pathway)
- Glenn Thuringer, Business Development, Tru Shrimp (Animal Pathway)
- Neal Paszkiewicz, Training and Development, Wakefield Pork (Animal Pathway)
- Kent Rodelius, Relationship Manager, Prinsco (Environmental Pathway)
- Travis Stewart, Vice President, AssuredPartners Agribusiness (Agribusiness Pathway)
- Karen Blatter-Schieler, Finance & Strategic Partnerships, Compeer (Agribusiness Pathway)
- Kent Horsager, CEO, CSC Arbitage Group (Agribusiness Pathway)
- Matt Drewitz, Measures & Outcomes, MN Board WSR (Natural Resources Pathway)
- Mark Denn, President/CEO, Citizens Bank Minnesota (Agribusiness Pathway)
- Nicole Paulsen, VP of HR, PIPESTONE (Animal and Food Pathways)
- Steve Olson, Principal, Steve Olson Consulting, LLC (Agribusiness Pathway)
Ex-Officio Members:
- Patrice Bailey, Assistant Commissioner, MN Dept of Agriculture
- Sarah Dornink, Executive Director, Minnesota Agricultural Education Leadership Council
- Tom Slunecka, CEO, MN Soybean Association
- Gena Lilienthal, Ag Instructor-South Central MN Agricultural Science Academy
- Nicole Griensewic, Executive Director, Region 9
- Jill Resler, COO, MN Pork Board
- Sam Ziegler, Director, GreenSeam
- Dr. Zane Sheehan, Supervisor, MN Dept of Education
- Lucas Sjostrom, Executive Director, MN Milk Producers
- Val Aarsvold, MN FFA Foundation, Executive Director
- Kelly Schmidt, CEO, MN Beef