Episodes
124
Latest episode
Jun 2026
Language
EN
Growing Kentucky's Leaders is a podcast focused on highlighting Kentucky FFA's members and alumni for their work while in FFA and what they go on to do after. Hosted by Sheldon McKinney, Executive Director of the Kentucky FFA Foundation, and Ruth An Fink, Development Officer for the Kentucky FFA Foundation.
On this episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, we hear from Aiden Manley, the 2025–2026 Kentucky FFA State President. In his retiring address at state convention, Aiden shared a deeply personal journey of overcoming unexpected hardships — from a sudden childhood move to an isolated Eastern Kentucky holler, to family financial crises and a terrifying medical emergency with his sister.
On this episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, we hear from Josh Mitcham, Director of the Carol Martin Gatton FFA Leadership Training Center. Josh explains why this historic camp— bursting at the seams with close to 400 students a week — remains the ultimate launchpad for the next generation of agricultural leaders.Links:Carol Martin Gatton FFA Leadership Training Center
On this episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, Sheldon and Ruth Ann welcome back two familiar faces: State FFA Secretary Jacee McKeel and State Treasurer Tyren Harris.With less than three weeks left in their term of service, Jacee and Tyren pull back the curtain on their incredible year and give listeners a behind-the-scenes sneak peek at the upcoming Kentucky State FFA Convention. From the hard work that goes into memorizing hours of scripts to adding "bigger and better" surprises for members, the duo shares what it truly means to be facilitators of an unforgettable member experience.
On this episode of Growing Kentucky’s Leaders, Sheldon and Ruth Ann are joined by Annagrace Sholar and Sara Thakur from Madisonville North Hopkins High School. Tune in to hear about the massive impact of the Kentucky FFA Foundation grants, student-led entrepreneurship and the inspiring journey of cultivating the next generation of community leaders.Links:Teachers Turn the KeyBetter Days Through Better WaysGrants
On this episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, Sheldon and Ruth Ann welcome back a familiar face to the Kentucky FFA community, Coty Back.Ahead of his upcoming keynote address at the Kentucky FFA State Convention, Coty shares his insights on what truly separates a good leader from a great one. From the power of daily disciplines to the invaluable nature of "human capital" and mentorship, Cody unpacks how high school students and young professionals alike can intentionally level up their leadership skills.Links:Coty Back LinkedInMr. Sketch MarkersThe Facilitator's Friend
On this episode of Growing Kentucky’s Leaders, Sheldon, Ruth Ann and Cassidy sit down with Dr. Thomas Kingery to discuss the world of agriculture education.The Kentucky Association of Agriculture Educators (KAAE) recently named Western Kentucky University (WKU) the Outstanding Post-Secondary Agriculture Education Program in the state. Dr. Kingery, who has led the program for 16 years, shares his journey from a first-generation college student to a veteran educator with over 30 years of experience.Links:Kentucky Association of Agricultural EducatorsWKU Ag Ed
On this episode of Growing Kentucky’s Leaders, Sheldon and Ruth Ann sit down with Patrick T. Grady, a veteran entertainer, humorist and the keynote speaker at this summer’s Carol Martin Gatton Leadership Training Center. Patrick shares his journey from a Florida 4-H and FFA member to a career as a professional speaker, detailing how his roots in agricultural education shaped his life.Links:Patrick T. GradyUniversity of Florida College of Agricultural and Life SciencesCarol Martin Gatton Leadership Training Center
This episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders features the four agriculture teachers from Taylor County High School and Taylor County Middle School, whose program was recently named the Outstanding Ag Ed Program in Kentucky by the Kentucky Association of Agriculture Educators. Sheldon and Ruth Ann sit down with the team to discuss the unique family culture of their program and the deep bond they share.Links:2023 Kentucky FFA State Star Farmer - Jeffrey Sprowles
On this episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, Sheldon and Ruth Ann are joined by author and leadership coach Darleen "Coach Dar" Santore and Kentucky FFA Foundation board member Dwight Sears. The discussion centers on the transformative power of the "Pay It Forward" movement and the global ripple effect of simple acts of kindness.Links:Coach Dar on InstagramDwight SearsPay It Forward Day
On this episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, Sheldon and Ruth Ann sit down with Mr. Dexter Knight, a recipient of the 2026 Agriculture Teachers Change Lives award. Dexter shares his insights on the essential qualities of a great teacher—emphasizing disposition and a love for the community—while discussing the evolving importance of work-life balance for the next generation of educators.Links:Kentucky Association of Agricultural EducatorsFirst Southern National Bank
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