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2026–2027 ACE Leadership Institute Cohort
ACE is proud to announce the 2026–2027 Leadership Institute cohort — an outstanding group of communication professionals representing institutions and organizations from across the country.
Over the next year, participants will strengthen leadership competencies, expand their professional influence, and develop the skills needed to drive meaningful change within their organizations and across the communications profession.
Delivered in partnership with the Voyager Institute, the ACE Leadership Institute provides:
- In-depth leadership development tailored to agricultural, natural resources, and life sciences communication
- Training in strategic management, change leadership, inclusion, and organizational effectiveness
- A strong and supportive professional network that extends well beyond the program year
Meet the 2026–2027 Cohort
Inka Bajandas
Public Affairs Manager
Oregon Forest Resources Institute
Matt Browning
Director of Agricultural Research & Extension Communications
West Virginia State University
Amy Calabretta
Director of Communications and Strategic Initiatives
University of Idaho
Kirsten Conard
Digital Media Officer
Kansas State University
Tate Cronin
Marketing and Communications Specialist
University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture
Jackie Hanson
Extension Associate III (Communications Manager & Publications Editor)
University of Guam
Cyril Ibe, PhD.
Interim Communications Coordinator
Central State University
Olivia McClure
Associate Communications Specialist
LSU AgCenter
Claire Montoya
Director of Communications and Reporting
New Mexico State University Agricultural Experiment Station
Amy Muise
Instructional Designer/Webmaster
New Mexico State University
Sonya Moore-Davis
Director, Media & Communications
Langston University Sherman Lewis School of Agriculture & Applied Sciences
Stephanie Perla
Marketing Content Specialist
UC Davis College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
(non-member)
Heleen Sheets
Director of Public Relations
Langston University
Kim Scotto
Communications Manager
Association of Public and Land-grant Universities
Allison Vitt
Assistant Director, Marketing and Communications
Colorado State University, Office of Engagement and Extension
Lesa Vold
Program Manager & Communications Specialist
Egg Industry Center at Iowa State University
Vickey D. Williams, PhD
Communications (Media) Specialist
Alcorn State University
Stay tuned as we share highlights from their leadership journey throughout the year.
Please join us in congratulating the 2026–2027 cohort as they begin this transformative experience!
With excitement,
ACE Leadersh
- Kelsey Armstrong Ph.D, Elon University
- ChaNae Bradley, Fort Valley State University
- Kris Boone Ph.D, Southern Illinois University, College of Agricultural, Life, & Physical Sciences
- Latasha Ford, Fort Valley State University
- Elaine Edwards, Iowa State University Extension and Kansas State University
- Jason Ellis Ph.D, Kansas State University
- Tom Knecht, U of Ill., NC State, MS State
- Kay Ledbetter, Texas A&M AgriLife Marketing and Communications
- Steve Miller, University of Wyoming
- Stacey Stearns, University of Connecticut