The 97th National FFA Convention & Expo, held October 23 to 26 in Indianapolis, culminated in the election of the 2024-25 National FFA Officer Team. Over 70,000 FFA members and supporters gathered to celebrate agricultural education, innovation, and leadership, joined by thousands watching remotely from across the United States, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
The six FFA members elected to serve for the 2024-25 year come from Illinois, Ohio, Wisconsin, Kentucky, California, and Georgia — with the excitement from those who’s names were called to the celebration in the audience being visible in the videos that were shared on social media from the finale on Saturday.
The election of the National FFA Officer Team is one of the most eagerly anticipated moments of the convention, and it embodies the spirit of leadership and service that drives the organization. This year, thirty-seven candidates vied for national office, each representing a state FFA association and facing an extensive interview process with the National FFA Officer Nominating Committee.
Made up of FFA members from around the nation, the committee was tasked with selecting six individuals to lead the organization based on their dedication, vision, and commitment to FFA’s mission.
The newly elected officers for 2024-25 are:
President: Thaddeus Bergschneider, Illinois. He is a former member of the Franklin FFA Chapter.
National Secretary: Luke Jennings, Ohio. He is a former member of the Felicity-Franklin FFA Chapter.
Central Region Vice President: Mary Schrieber, Wisconsin. She is a former member of the East Troy FFA Chapter.
Eastern Region Vice President: Caroline Groth, Kentucky. She is a former member of the Locust Trace FFA Chapter.
Western Region Vice President: Abigale Jacobsen, California. She is a former member of the Elk Grove FFA Chapter.
Southern Region Vice President: Jack Lingenfelter, Georgia. He is a former member of the Coffee High FFA Chapter.
These officers will spend the next year serving as the faces of the National FFA Organization, connecting with members through leadership workshops, motivational talks, and advocacy work. Their role is to inspire fellow FFA members and demonstrate the values of dedication, integrity, and hard work that the organization stands for. Representing over 850,000 student members, these leaders will work with the National FFA Board of Directors, participate in key meetings, and facilitate programs that enhance agricultural education.
The election of these six individuals is more than a recognition of their hard work — it’s a testament to their potential to inspire and shape the future of agriculture. With their leadership, the National FFA Organization is poised to continue its legacy of fostering personal growth, career success, and commitment to service among young agriculturalists nationwide.
