Agriculture and Forestry Education Foundation – Cultivating Leaders in Washington's Natural Resource Sectors

AgForestry Leadership Class 47 - Applications open February 2 - April 30, 2026

Mailing: 2702 W Sunset Blvd., Suite B, Spokane, WA 99224
(253) 720-2092

carolyn@agforestry.org

We Cultivate Leaders

WHAT IS AGFORESTRY LEADERSHIP?

Over nine months, the AgForestry Leadership Program presents nine in-state seminars and a Washington, D.C. seminar focused on developing strong leaders. Our nearly 50-year-old leadership program is recognized for excellence in providing training and practical learning in policy and civil discourse as well as providing opportunities to develop a strong and diverse network across the state. There is also an optional international seminar experience.

For each leadership cohort, candidates are selected who represent a range of professions and industries including: agriculture, forestry, and fishing (producers, processors, shippers, marketing and sales) and related fields. The selection process is highly competitive.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?

The AgForestry Leadership Program is the only one of its kind in Washington State that specifically focuses on developing adult leaders in natural resources. Collaborative leadership skills are needed now more than ever. The AgForestry Leadership Program shapes the future of natural resources by shaping future leaders.

AgForestry cultivates leaders who communicate, collaborate, inspire, and serve.

Thoughts about the AgForestry Leadership Program:

I can truly say that my experience in AgForestry was a large cornerstone of my leadership development. I cherish that experience.

Vicki Christiansen (Class 12)

Chief of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Forestry Service

Port Blakely has been supporting and sending employees through the AgForestry Leadership Program for over 20 years. Our company and industry need forward-thinking, solutions-oriented leaders to make sure we can effectively address issues that affect not only us, but our local and global communities. We have benefited from AgForestry first-hand and know the program is world class in developing leaders in natural resources.

Court Stanley (Class 21)

President of Port Blakely U.S. Forestry

Discussions of “leadership” are so pervasive in corporate and popular culture that the practice of leadership can be overlooked. I draw upon the skills and tools acquired through AgForestry when I face difficult decisions, strategize new professional pursuits, and speak to issues which matter for all of us in agriculture. When I recall AgForestry’s urging to “be a leader,” I feel as supported by that ethic today as I did when I went through the program.

Mel (Melva) Calloway (Class 34)

Owner Calloway NW, LLC & JH Bany Company, LLC

"Going through AgForestry means one 'a-ha!' moment after another, as you learn to identify and understand the forces that are at work throughout our communities. For me it was like riding an elevator from the ground floor up to the top of a very tall building - you step out to the edge and see, in a whole new way, how things connect and interact...I came away not only with an even stronger love of learning, but with a much broader perspective that changed my life and equipped me to make a positive difference where I live."

Linda Evans Parlette (Class 2)

Washington State Senator 12th Legislative District - Retired

“The AgForestry program has produced one crop after another of the leaders who are needed not only by the agriculture, forestry, and fishing industries but also the communities that depend on those industries. My two years in the program encouraged me to look for ways to make a difference where I live, and for the way of life I had chosen, and had much to do with my decision to run for a seat in the Legislature.”

Mark Schoesler (Class 10)

Washington State Senator