Governing The Council

Governing Documents

Since its founding in 1983, the National Council for Agricultural Education has served as the central leadership organization for school-based agricultural education (SBAE), built on a foundation of collaboration, advocacy, and alignment. Our bylaws—most recently amended in May 2025—reflect this history, providing a clear framework that guides our structure, decision-making, and partnerships. Rooted in decades of shared purpose among partner organizations, our governing documents ensure we stay true to our mission while adapting to meet the future needs of agricultural education.

Committees

The National Council for Agricultural Education is guided by a robust committee structure that ensures strategic direction, organizational accountability, and inclusive engagement across our work. Learn more about each of our committees below.

Executive Committee

  • Purpose: The Executive Committee has general supervision of the organization’s affairs between its business meetings. They provide leadership and governance oversight, ensuring alignment with all The Council’s work.

  • Members: Dr. Robert Torres; President (AZ), Mr. Brad Driskill; President-Elect (MO), Mr. Heath Hornecker; Past President (WY), Dr. Daniel Foster; Secretary (PA).

Standing Committees

According to our bylaws, there are to be five standing committees that play a vital role in advancing our mission and supporting agricultural education nationwide. These committees and members work tirelessly to support agricultural education nationwide.

  • Program & Initiative Development Committee

    • Purpose: The Program & Initiative Development Committee plays a key role in shaping the strategic direction that The Council takes. They help identify, develop, and recommend new programs and initiatives that meet the demands of the agricultural education industry. Additionally, they play a large role in planning and executing the AgEd Summit at the annual NAAE conference. 

    • Members: Dr. Lavyne Rada; Chair (MN), Dr. Daniel Foster (PA), Dr. Travis Park (NC), Ms. Val Aarsvold (MN), Ms. Catie Rowe (NY), Ms. Alissa Smith (KY)

  • Public Relations and Outreach Committee

    • Purpose: The Public Relations & Outreach Committee is responsible for promoting and enhancing the visibility of The Council. They work to promote The Council’s mission, initiatives, and outcomes to all stakeholders.

  • Planning and Policy Committee

    • Purpose: The Planning & Policy Committee ensures that The Council’s actions align with its long-term vision and values. This committee also reviews policies that guide and shape The Council’s initiatives, governance, and operations. Additionally, they coordinate strategic planning efforts and provide guidance on national educational policy issues that impact agricultural education. 

  • Finance and Fundraising Committee

    • Purpose: The Finance & Fundraising Committee oversees the financial sustainability of The Council. They review and monitor fiscal budgets while identifying funding opportunities through grants, sponsorships, and donor engagement to support The Council’s programs and initiatives. 

  • Belonging and Engagement Committee

    • Purpose: The Belonging & Engagement Committee fosters a culture of inclusion and active participation across all segments of the agricultural education community. They work to develop and align all strategies in an inclusive and engaging manner.

    • Members: Ms. Catie Rowe; Chair (NY), Mr. Marc Beitia (ID), Mr. Scott Stump (IN)

Special Committees

  • SAE For All Committee

    • Purpose: The SAE for All National Committee plays a key role in shaping the direction and success of the SAE for All initiative. This advisory group meets quarterly, in November, February, May, and August, to provide updates, share ideas, and offer strategic guidance that supports nationwide implementation and growth.

    • Members: Mr. Andy VonCanon; Chair, Mr. Paul Aarsvold, Ms. Mindy Bunselmeyer, Ms. Candis Carraway, Ms. Lauren Emerson, Mr. Reynold Gardner, Mr. Matt Kreifels, Ms. Breanna Pastir (nonvoting member), Ms. Melissa Rekeweg (nonvoting member), and Ms. Ambra Tennery (nonvoting member)

  • Case 4 Learning Executive Committee

    • Purpose: The purpose of the CASE Executive Committee is to support the CASE 4 Learning initiative of the National Council for Agricultural Education. It is a standing committee within The Council composed of elected leaders and stakeholders committed to furthering the mission and vision of CASE.

    • Members: Dr. Katrina Swinehart; Chair, Mr. Harry Snyder; Chair-Elect, Dr. Scott Smalley; Past Chair, Dr. Chris Eck, Dr. Anna Warner, Dr. Eric Rubenstein, Ms. Shari Lighthall, Mr. Richard Dugan, and Ms. Michelle Goossen

  • Case 4 Learning Advisory Committee

    • Purpose: The purpose of the CASE Advisory Committee is to provide guidance to the CASE Director about CASE and to represent CASE states’ programs and teachers. The committee is also charged with overseeing critical operational practices.

    • Members: The CASE Advisory Committee shall be composed of three representatives from each state that is implementing or is in the process of implementing CASE courses.

Meeting Minutes

The Council serves as a unifying leadership body for school-based agricultural education across the United States. It helps shape strategic direction and identify resources to strengthen education in agriculture, food, fiber, and natural resources. To ensure transparency, consistency, and effective decision-making, The Council and its board of directors hold official meetings governed by Robert’s Rules of Order. This structured format promotes orderly discussion, fair participation, and clear outcomes. Meeting minutes are recorded as a formal record of these proceedings, providing accountability, preserving institutional memory, and ensuring that actions and decisions are documented and accessible for future reference.

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