The Wedgworth Leadership Institute for Agriculture and Natural Resources (WLIANR) has selected 30 participants for Class XIII of its two-year leadership development program. The program is designed for emerging agriculture and natural resources professionals who aspire to greater leadership responsibilities in the private and/or public sectors at every level.
Participants will begin their journey in November and dedicate themselves to 11 seminars spanning a total of 55 days. Each event is designed to strengthen their leadership skills and ability to advocate for agricultural and natural resources industries. Seminar experiences take place across Florida, from the Panhandle to Miami, and include visits to Washington, D.C., and also include a two-week international study component. Through these experiences, participants gain broader perspectives and develop valuable connections both within and outside the industry. Graduates leave the program prepared to tackle issues and opportunities at the local, state, national and global levels.
“We don’t just grow food in Florida, we grow leaders,” said Scott Angle, UF’s senior vice president for agriculture and natural resources and head of UF/IFAS. “The easy problems in agriculture and natural resources have been solved. No one prepares people to address the big, complex challenges like Wedgworth does. I congratulate these class members for their commitment to the program and to Florida’s future.”
Following a rigorous selection process, 30 individuals were chosen from a pool of 64 candidates. The class showcases the diversity of Florida’s agricultural industry, with members from across 23 different sectors. Representing 21 counties, participants bring a wide range of geographic perspectives and experiences to the program.
Class XIII members:
- Christophe Agricola, Shield Properties, Fernandina Beach, FL
- Reilly Brooks, BioSafe Systems, Grand Island, FL
- Allie Coleman, Tater Farms, Hastings, FL
- Johan Dam, Farm Credit of Central Florida, Lakeland, FL
- Ryan Duffy, U.S. Sugar, Clewiston, FL
- Jamie Fussell, Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association, Apopka, FL
- J.R. Gough, Brandt Consolidated Inc., Wauchula, FL
- Josh Griffin, Grimes Produce, Plant City, FL
- Dustin Grooms, Fancy Farms and DNA Farms, Lakeland, FL
- Melissa Hinton, Fischbach Land Company, Lithia, FL
- Johnny Hoblick, Agri-Starts, Inc., Deland, FL
- Rickie Holness, Driscoll’s, Riverview, FL
- Cooper Hopkins, Hundley Farms, Inc., North Palm Beach, FL
- Jaime Jerrels, Florida Farm Bureau Federation, Bronson, FL
- Quincy Kolp, LiveTrends Design Group, Longwood, FL
- Ryan Kornegay, USDA and Kornegay Farms, Greenville, FL
- Paul Koukos, Wheeler Farms, Inc., Lake Placid, FL
- Pauric McGroary, Wedgworth’s Inc., Alva, FL
- Will Messina, The Roberts Companies, Gainesville, FL
- Jason Nugent, Bethel Farms, Arcadia, FL
- Eddie Pines, EIP Citrus Management, Tampa, FL
- Katelyn Potter, Suwannee River Water Management District, Wellborn, FL
- Alleigh Reitz, Everglades Equipment Company, Wellington, FL
- Derek Rodgers, Florida Classic Growers, Inc., Vero Beach, FL
- Geoff Roe, Noble Ag, LLC, Eagle Lake, FL
- Taylor Sewell, Yara North America and Mind Your Melon Foundation, Bronson, FL
- Sarah Spinosa, Putnam Groves and Spinosa Groves, Bartow, FL
- Beau Walden II, MetLife Investment Management, Wesley Chapel, FL
- Tahlia Warrick, Archbold Biological Station, Lake Placid, FL
- Clayton Waterhouse, Plant Food Systems, Inc., Zolfo Springs, FL
Administered by University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) and housed in the UF Department of Agricultural Education and Communication, WLIANR hosted its inaugural class in 1992. With more than 300 program graduates, WLIANR has become the cornerstone program for developing the next generation of agricultural leaders in Florida.
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Media Contact: Christy Chiarelli, 352-392-1041, ccw@ufl.edu
ABOUT UF/IFAS
The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS brings science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents.
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