Eighteen Ohio agribusiness leaders are being recognized as the latest graduates of Ohio AgriBusiness Association’s LAUNCH program. Participants were selected by their companies to undergo the robust executive leadership development program, which was created in partnership with Shift-ology Communications to help OABA member companies fill the looming void of leadership talent, as more than 50% of the agribusiness workforce is expected to retire in the next 10-15 years.

The 18 member graduates who successfully completed the 2018 LAUNCH program include:

Adam Bennett — Farm Credit of Mid-America, Brian Braumiller — Morral Companies, LLC, Caitlin Busald — United Producers Inc., Carson Castellaw — Consolidated Grain and Barge, Tommy Crawford — Central Ohio Farmers Co-op, Kirk Gasser — Centerra Co-op, Matt Hagedorn — Cargill, Kevin Kaup — Mercer Landmark Inc., Jon Kenney — Simmons Grain Co, Cody Mabis — Mercer Landmark Inc., Jennifer McMahan — Morral Companies, LLC, Matt McQuire — Legacy Farmers Co-op, David Meyer — United Equity, Inc., Shane Rittenhouse — United Producers Inc., Kurt Schenkel — United Producers Inc., Ashley Snyder — Ag Credit, Karie Staley — Central Ohio Farmers Co-op, Ryan Wilhelm — Legacy Farmers Co-op.

LAUNCH prepares participants for successive leadership roles through a curriculum focused on developing individual skills and a global view of overall organizational needs. Capstone projects and in-person sessions both added to the depth of program.

Program topics included determining and flexing your style of work with others, leading with purpose, executive presence, decision making, human resources, presentation techniques, working with state government, salesmanship, agricultural industry challenges, corporate sustainability, work-life balance and more.

Patrick Donadio delivered the keynote presentation on “Communicating with IMPACT.” Other sessions included a trip to the Ohio Statehouse and Consolidated Grain and Barge facility in Cincinnati.

“The LAUNCH program continues to be a great way to support and engage tomorrow’s leaders, says Chris Henney, OABA president and CEO. “It provides participants the opportunity to hone their leadership skills and make lifelong connections with peers in the industry. This year’s class shows there is great promise for the future of our industry.”

For additional information on OABA or the LAUNCH Program, contact Janice Welsheimer at 614-326-7520, or at [email protected].

Source: OABA