Six student leaders from across the country will guide the National FFA Organization into its historic centennial year after being elected to the 2026-27 National FFA Officer Team during Saturday’s closing session of the 99th National FFA Convention & Expo.
Josie Jennings of Ohio was elected national president, leading a team representing six states and a new generation of agricultural leaders as the organization prepares to celebrate 100 years of developing premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.
The newly elected team includes:
- National President: Josie Jennings, Global Impact FFA Chapter, Ohio.
- National Secretary: Cameron Addington, Cannon Falls FFA Chapter, Minnesota.
- Eastern Region Vice President: Aiden Manley, Menifee County FFA Chapter, Kentucky.
- Western Region Vice President: Joshua Nelson, Troy FFA Chapter, Idaho.
- Southern Region Vice President: Jazmin Palma, Uwharrie Charter Academy FFA Chapter, North Carolina.
- Central Region Vice President: Teagan Erbele, Napoleon FFA Chapter, North Dakota.
The six officers were selected from 41 candidates who underwent an extensive interview process with the National FFA Officer Nominating Committee before delegates elected the team.
Over the next year, the officers will represent FFA and agricultural education nationwide, connecting with students, teachers, agricultural businesses, industry leaders, government officials and education professionals.
Their responsibilities extend beyond representing the organization at major events. The team will lead leadership development and personal growth conferences, engage with FFA members in communities across the country, and help establish policies shaping the organization’s future.
That work takes on added significance as FFA approaches its 100th anniversary in 2027. The centennial represents a milestone for an organization that has grown into a nationwide network of more than 1.05 million student members and 9,591 local chapters across all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
The officers’ election capped four days of competition, recognition, career exploration and community service at this year’s convention in Indianapolis.
“This week, we watched our members do more than earn recognition,” said Christine White, chief program officer of the National FFA Organization. “They lifted each other up, shared what they’ve learned and gave back to the community.”
“As we head into our 100th year, it’s clear the future of agriculture is in capable hands,” White added. “These students will carry what they experienced in Indianapolis back to their chapters and communities, and that’s where the real impact begins.”
Nearly 73,000 Gather in Indianapolis for FFA’s Biggest Annual Celebration
The 2026-27 officer team emerged from a convention that welcomed 72,907 FFA members, advisors and supporters to Indianapolis, underscoring the organization’s reach and the continued importance of agricultural education in preparing the next generation of agricultural professionals.
Held under the theme “Evolve, Engage and Empower,” the 99th National FFA Convention & Expo brought together students from rural, suburban and urban communities to celebrate achievements, explore careers and strengthen connections across agriculture.
The event also delivered substantial educational opportunities. More than 13,500 students and teachers attended 154 workshops at the Indiana Convention Center, including 115 student workshops that drew 12,747 attendees and 39 teacher workshops attended by 788 participants.
At the National FFA Expo, members explored more than 350 career opportunities in agriculture, exposing students to potential career paths across an industry that extends well beyond the farm gate.
Community service remained another cornerstone of the convention. More than 3,200 delegates and students volunteered at 27 nonprofit organizations throughout the greater Indianapolis area as part of the event’s Days of Service.
The convention also recognized outstanding achievement in agricultural education and leadership. A total of 5,818 American FFA Degrees were awarded, representing the organization’s highest honor. Another 236 Honorary American FFA Degrees recognized individuals who have supported FFA and agricultural education.
Through programs such as Chapter Connect, members also had opportunities to learn from peers in communities with different backgrounds and experiences, reinforcing the organization’s role in building leadership skills that extend beyond agriculture.
The convention’s impact reaches beyond its student participants. The annual event generates an estimated $42 million in economic activity for Indianapolis, benefiting the city as thousands of visitors fill hotels, restaurants, meeting spaces and other local businesses.
Indianapolis will remain the host city for the National FFA Convention & Expo through at least 2040, ensuring the city continues to play a central role in one of the nation’s largest annual gatherings of students and agricultural education leaders.
Centennial Convention Set for 2027
The next convention will carry special significance as FFA celebrates its 100th anniversary.
The 100th National FFA Convention & Expo is scheduled for Oct. 27-30, 2027, in Indianapolis, launching a yearlong celebration of the organization’s legacy and its continued mission to prepare students for leadership and careers in agriculture.
For the newly elected national officers, the coming year will provide an opportunity to help shape that milestone while carrying FFA’s mission into classrooms, chapters and communities across the country.
As the organization approaches its second century, its challenge will be to build on that legacy while preparing students to meet the evolving needs of American agriculture.
