Skip to main content

Colorado Agriculture in the Classroom

Directors & Advisors

Photo by Peter Varney

The governing body of the Colorado Foundation for Agriculture is the board of directors, which has the authority and is responsible for the supervision, control, and direction of the CFA. A non-voting advisory board helps guide the board of directors on the development of resources, programs, and materials.

Apply to join the 2024-2025 CoAITC Board of Directors and Advisory Board – Due July 29, 2024

Due July 29, 2024

Meet the Board

Colorado Agriculture in the Classroom is governed by a three- to nine-member voting board of directors. Members of the board of directors serve three-year terms and may be re-elected for a second term. A non-voting advisory board of up to 12 members guide the board of directors and staff on the development of resources and programs. Advisory board members serve one-year terms, for any successive terms to which they desire to serve.

2023-2024 Board of Directors
Keri Powers
President
Keri Powers
Elected to 1st term in 2021
The Growing Life Garden Project-Las Animas/Huerfano Health Dept.
Colorado City, CO
Contact the President
Cassidy Johnston
Vice President
Cassidy Johnston
Elected to 1st term in 2023
JRC Ranch Management and Consulting
Kiowa, CO
Sallie Miller
Secretary/Treasurer
Sallie Miller
Elected to 2nd term in 2023
Croissant Red Angus / American AgCredit
Briggsdale, CO
Jennifer Luitjens Bahr
Jennifer Luitjens Bahr
Elected to 2nd term in 2022
Rocky Mountain Farmers Union
Denver, CO
Jim Ehrlich
Jim Ehrlich
Elected to 1st term in 2021
Colorado Potato Administrative Committee-SLV
Monte Vista, CO
Sondra Pierce
Sondra Pierce
Elected to 2nd term in 2021
Escalante Ranch and Pierce Farms
Delta, CO
Idella Lewis
Idella Lewis
Elected to 1st term in 2023
Maple Grove Grange / Colorado State Grange
Wheat Ridge, CO
Cindy Staheli Pearson
Cindy Staheli Pearson
Elected to 1st term in 2023
Retired Teacher / 2XL Cattle Company
Loma, CO
2023-2024 Advisory Board
Jenny Bennett
Jenny Bennett
Serving since 2021
Agriculture Education Program, Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO
Tasha Chevarria
Tasha Chevarria
Serving since 2023
West Arapahoe Conservation District
Kiowa, CO
Charity Dowdell
Charity Dowdell
Serving since 2023
Eaton Middle School
Eaton, CO
Bethany Howell
Bethany Howell
Serving since 2022
Colorado Department of Agriculture
Del Norte, CO
Julie Moore
Julie Moore
Serving since 1997
Colorado Beef Council
Colleen Peppler
Colleen Peppler
Serving since 2021 (Director from 2016)
Peppler Farms, LLC
Platteville, Colorado
Shelby Rich
Shelby Rich
Serving since 2023
National Western Stock Show
Grand Junction, CO
Michelle Skaggs
Michelle Skaggs
Serving since 2023
Tuff's Ranch and Tuff's Animal Rescue
Bennett, CO
Terry Tormohlen
Terry Tormohlen
Serving since 2010
Retired Farmer and Egg Producer
Fort Morgan, CO
Sarah West
Sarah West
Serving since 2023
Rocky Mountain Farmers Union
Fort Collins, CO
Aubriel Zachman
Aubriel Zachman
Serving since 2023 (Director from 2018)
Colorado State University
Johnstown, CO

Board of Directors

CFA is governed by a three- to nine-member voting board of directors. Members of the CFA Board of Directors serve three-year terms and may be re-elected for a second term. Former directors may be re-elected after remaining off of the board for a minimum of one year.

Advisory Board

A non-voting advisory board of up to 12 members guide the board of directors on the development of resources and programs. Advisory board members are comprised of representatives of agricultural producers, agricultural vendors, conservation and environment organizations, and interested parties for the purpose of maintaining a holistic balance. Advisory board members serve one-year terms, for any successive terms to which they desire to serve.

Meeting frequency and time dedication

The board of directors and advisory board hold joint, quarterly, day-long meetings, during the months of August; November, which is also the annual meeting; February; and May. These quarterly meetings typically begin at 10:00 a.m. and conclude in the early afternoon. They are generally held in-person, under normal circumstances, in various locations in Colorado (currently typically on the Front Range). A simultaneous virtual meeting attendance option is available when feasible. Committee meetings (1-2 hours per meeting) are held virtually, prior to the regular quarterly meetings. Some travel may be required.

Responsibilities

  • Actively promote the mission of the Colorado Foundation for Agriculture
  • Attend CFA Board of Directors/Advisory Board meetings (4, day-long meetings per year)
  • Serve on CFA committees and attend committee meetings (1-2 hours per meeting, held prior to regular quarterly meetings)
  • Participate in the fundraising for the Foundation
  • Take part in activities of the Foundation
  • Participate in training and planning sessions of the Foundation
  • Represent CFA at various agricultural, commodity, civic, and educational organizations
  • CFA Board of Directors and Advisory Board members serve voluntarily

CFA Committees

  • Financial/Fundraising Committee
  • Classroom Education Committee
  • Professional Development Committee
  • Governance Committee
  • Awards and Educator Opportunities Committee
  • Communications and Outreach Committee
  • Officer Nominating Committee (Advisory board members)