Colorado FFA hires new Exec. Director

The Colorado FFA Foundation recently announced the hiring of John Stahley as its new Executive Director. John brings 31 years of experience as an agriculture teacher and FFA Advisor to this role. For the past five years, he has served as Program Coordinator for the FFA Foundation's Local Teacher Success Program.

"We are confident that John's in-depth knowledge of FFA and agricultural education will make him an outstanding leader for the Foundation at a time of tremendous opportunity," said Board President Glenda Mostek. "He has connections with every aspect of agricultural education in Colorado, and a passion for the programs that we support."

John grew up in Merino on an irrigated farm and ranch where he raised corn, sugar beets, alfalfa, cattle and hogs. He has degrees from Northeastern Junior College and Colorado State University, and was an ag teacher and FFA advisor in Durango and Kersey. He was honored with the "Legendary Owl" award by the Colorado FFA Foundation in 2021 and was a State FFA officer following his high school graduation. He has been a part of Colorado Farm Bureau, Colorado Young Farmers and numerous other ag and community organizations.

Stahley will guide the philanthropic mission of the Foundation, which seeks resources - human, financial and in-kind – to support agricultural education in Colorado, including students (FFA, CSU Ag Ed), teachers (CVATA) and alumni. He will oversee the development of two recent property acquisitions, the Kobilan Ranch near Calhan and the Lewis Farm, Berthoud, into educational opportunities to serve ag education students and educate the public about Colorado agriculture.

The Colorado FFA Foundation is a non-profit organization that raises funds to support the more than 8,000 FFA members in Colorado's 125 chapters. FFA is a national organization of 800,000+ members preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture.