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Best of NAMA 2025












IOWA FFA FOUNDATION WELCOMES SHANNON LATHAM AS ITS NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Source: Iowa FFA Foundation sent via AgPR--the news distribution service for agriculture

Shannon Latham
ANKENY, Iowa -- The Iowa FFA Foundation is excited to announce Shannon Latham as its next executive director, marking a bold step forward in advancing agricultural education and leadership development across Iowa. A lifelong advocate for agriculture, youth leadership, and community development, Latham brings more than 30 years of experience spanning business, government and communications.

Most recently serving as vice president and co-owner of Latham Quality, Inc., Shannon has been a driving force in Iowa's agricultural industry and beyond. She also represents Franklin and Hamilton Counties, as well as parts of Story and Wright Counties, as an elected member of the Iowa General Assembly, where she serves as Iowa House Chair of the Economic Development Budget Subcommittee.

"Accepting the executive director position with the Iowa FFA Foundation feels like coming full circle. Now, I'm at a point where I can give back to the organization that's done so much for me," Shannon said. "My career was set in motion by my FFA advisor who took me to visit Iowa State University and introduced me to the majors of agricultural journalism and public service & administration in agriculture. That double major has really benefited me throughout my career."

Shannon's career reflects the very mission of FFA -- to grow leaders, build communities, and strengthen agriculture. From founding her own communications firm and launching the agritourism destination Enchanted Acres, to championing agricultural literacy, youth leadership, and rural vitality, she has consistently turned vision into impact.

Her service and leadership have been recognized with honors such as the Advocate for Iowa Agriculture Award (2021, Iowa Soybean Association), the Greenlee School of Journalism Professional Achievement Award (2020), and induction into the FarmHer Hall of Fame (2016).

A Future of Promise

As executive director, Shannon will lead the Iowa FFA Foundation in forging stronger partnerships, expanding opportunities for donors to invest in tomorrow's leaders, and ensuring agricultural education continues to thrive.

"We believe Shannon's leadership will inspire new possibilities for the Foundation and for the organizations we serve," said Iowa FFA Foundation Board President Jason Berkland. "Her combination of business expertise, public service, and lifelong passion for agriculture perfectly positions her to connect donors with the transformational impact their support makes possible."

Shannon and her husband John reside in Franklin County. They are the proud parents of Ian and Ellie. Outside of work, Shannon enjoys gardening, reading, and traveling -- passions that reflect her lifelong love of growth, discovery, and connection.

About the Iowa FFA Foundation

The Iowa FFA Foundation builds partnerships and secures resources in support of Team Agriculture Education across Iowa. Through donor support, the Foundation helps empower students, teachers, and communities to grow leaders, build communities, and strengthen agriculture.


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