Image courtesy of the National FFA Organization
During the 98th National FFA Convention & Expo, a group of six dedicated and passionate FFA members will have the honor of leading the National FFA Organization as the 2025-26 National FFA Officer Team. This opportunity promises to be a transformative experience, allowing them to influence the future of the organization and inspire the next wave of agricultural leaders.
The process of becoming a national officer is arduous. The candidates — each state FFA association can submit one individual member annually — take part in an extensive interview process with the National FFA Officer Nominating Committee. The committee is comprised of students who interview and select the National FFA Officers during each National FFA Convention & Expo.
It takes a highly motivated person to become a successful National FFA Officer. Becoming a national officer requires members to learn about their passions and gain a better understanding of what life as a national officer is like. The life of a national officer is nonstop hard work and never-ending commitments, but it is a life-changing experience — one they will cherish forever.
Thirty-seven candidates vied for national office during Phase 1 of the selection process. The 2025-26 candidates advancing to Phase 2 are:
- Alyssa Schauer, Wisconsin
- Braden Havlik, Missouri
- Claire Woeppel, Nebraska
- Eliza Dugan, Idaho
- Emily Ryder, Washington
- Emma Storey, Georgia
- Ethan Wolheter, Indiana
- Gabrielle Howell, Florida
- Hannah Saum, Ohio
- Hunter Lawson, Texas
- Hunter Smigel, New York
- Jael Cruikshank, Oregon
- Joey Nowotny, Delaware
- Keston Zimmerman, Arizona
- Lilly Nyland, Michigan
- Rebecca Lehman, Pennsylvania
- Ryer Roberts, Colora
- Sage Toews, Kansas
- Sydney Whichard, North Carolina
- T.Wayne Williams, Tennessee
- Trenton Page, Kentucky
- Trey Myers, Oklahoma
Be sure to watch Session 7 on Saturday, Nov. 1, at 1 p.m. EDT to see who will be named to the 2025-26 national officer team. General convention sessions will air live on the FFA Live! streaming broadcast. FFA members and supporters can tune in and watch gavel-to-gavel coverage of the event.
»Related: 5 tips for the next FFA president from Thad Bergschneider
