INDIANAPOLIS — Forty-one FFA members from across the United States and Puerto Rico have earned the honor of running for national office, launching an intensive evaluation process that will culminate at the 99th National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis this October.
Being nominated as a national officer candidate stands among the organization’s highest distinctions. Each state FFA association is permitted to nominate just one candidate annually. Those selected will move through a comprehensive series of interviews and evaluations conducted by the National FFA Officer Nominating Committee—a nine-member panel of fellow student members tasked with selecting the six-member 2026–27 National FFA Officer Team.
A Year of Service and Centennial Preparation
Serving as a National FFA Officer requires a one-year commitment to travel the country, engage with local chapters, advocate for agricultural education, and meet with business and industry leaders.
“Serving as a National FFA Officer is a rare and demanding honor,” the National FFA Organization noted. “The process challenges candidates to better understand their passions while giving them insight into the responsibilities of national office. Although the role requires constant dedication, hard work, and a full schedule, it also offers an unforgettable and life-changing experience.”
Current National FFA President Trey Myers has characterized the position as one grounded in connection, service, and creating a sense of belonging for every student in the iconic blue jacket. Former National FFA President Thaddeus Bergschneider similarly highlighted the office as a platform to elevate student voices and inspire members to embrace new challenges.
The leaders chosen this fall will carry an added distinction: representing FFA’s more than one million student members nationwide during the organization’s centennial milestone year in 2027.
The 99th National FFA Convention & Expo
The selection process will take center stage at the 99th National FFA Convention & Expo, scheduled for October 21–24, 2026, in Indianapolis. More than 70,000 members, advisors, alumni, and agricultural industry partners are expected to assemble for:
- General leadership sessions and workshops
- National Career and Leadership Development Events (CDE/LDE)
- The National FFA Expo and industry career floor
- The official election and announcement of the 2026–27 National Officer Team during the final convention session
2026–27 National FFA Officer Candidates
The 41 members seeking national office for the upcoming term are:
| State / Territory | Candidate Name | State / Territory | Candidate Name |
| Alabama | Belle Sansom | Nevada | Maximillian Bushey |
| Arizona | Ryan Martinez | New Hampshire | Raphaella Amaral |
| Colorado | Sheldon Collin | New Mexico | Jayda Goodson |
| Delaware | Kailyn Pippin | New York | Noah Davis |
| Florida | Gabrielle Howell | North Carolina | Jazmin Palma |
| Georgia | Mason Sorrow | North Dakota | Teagan Erbele |
| Idaho | Joshua Nelson | Ohio | Josie Jennings |
| Illinois | Owen Torrance | Oklahoma | Cooper Kline |
| Indiana | Jenna Lawler | Oregon | Olivia Sturm |
| Iowa | Chloe Zittergruen | Pennsylvania | Alexis Butler |
| Kansas | Jory Ratzlaff | Puerto Rico | Joel Esparra Diaz |
| Kentucky | Aiden Manley | Rhode Island | Bryan Jones |
| Louisiana | Kinzie Brassell | South Carolina | Rachel Gentry |
| Maine | Jillian McLaughlin | South Dakota | Maya Howard |
| Maryland | Connor Clary | Tennessee | Abigail Whicker |
| Michigan | Brent DeSaegher | Texas | Tucker Smith |
| Minnesota | Cameron Addington | Virginia | Franco Abud |
| Mississippi | Laynie Dodson | West Virginia | Miyah Swiger |
| Missouri | Ivy Elwell | Wisconsin | Max Luedtke |
| Montana | Weston Sondeno | Wyoming | Hayden Hubbard |
| Nebraska | Jake Rezac |
