INDIANAPOLIS – An FFA member from Ohio has been chosen the organization’s national president for 2026-27, while a Kentuckian has been named eastern region vice president.

The National FFA Organization announced its new national officer team at the close of its 99th national convention, Oct. 21-24, in Indianapolis. Nearly 73,000 attended the event, according to FFA.

The new national officer team members are: president – Josie Jennings, Global Impact FFA chapter, Ohio; secretary – Cameron Addington, Cannon Falls FFA chapter, Minnesota; eastern region vice president – Aiden Manley, Menifee County FFA chapter, Kentucky; western region vice president – Joshua Nelson, Troy FFA chapter, Idaho; southern region vice president – Jazmin Palma, Uwharrie Charter Academy FFA chapter, North Carolina; and central region vice president – Teagan Erbele, Napoleon FFA chapter, North Dakota.

FFA members do more than earn recognition during the convention, said Christine White, chief program officer for FFA.

“They lifted each other up, shared what they’ve learned and gave back to the community,” she said in a release. “As we head into our 100th year, it’s clear the future of agriculture is in capable hands. These students will carry what they experienced in Indianapolis back to their chapters and communities, and that’s where the real impact begins.”

FFA said more than 3,200 delegates and students participated in the convention’s Days of Service at 27 local nonprofits in the Indianapolis area.

Four members were named American Star Winners. Tessa Tauke, of the Beckman Catholic FFA chapter in Iowa, was selected American Star in Agriscience. Jaron Black, of the Streator, Ill., FFA chapter, was chosen American Star in Agricultural Placement. Cooper Kline, of the North Rock Creek FFA chapter in Oklahoma, received the American Star Farmer award. Jose Yepez, of the Greenville, Texas, FFA chapter, was named American Star in Agribusiness.

The awards recognize FFA members who have developed outstanding agricultural skills and competencies by completing a supervised agricultural experience program, a required activity in FFA, the release said.

The Spencer County, Ky., FFA chapter was named Premier Chapter: Strengthening Agriculture. The Zachary FFA chapter in Louisiana was named Premier Chapter: Building Communities. The Deane Bozeman School FFA chapter in Florida was named Premier Chapter: Growing Leaders.

The Wilmington, Ohio, FFA chapter was named the 2026 National Model of Excellence.

The national chapter award program recognizes outstanding FFA chapters that actively implement the organization’s mission and strategies, the release noted.

Several FFA members in Farm World’s primary readership area received awards during the convention. They are:

Proficiency Awards:

- Agricultural Education – Entrepreneurship/Placement: Kaytlin Billenstein, Ridgemont FFA chapter, Ohio;

- Swine Production – Placement: Cody Billenstein, Versailles FFA chapter, Ohio;

- Forage Production – Entrepreneurship/Placement: Jonathan Cromer, Ridgemont FFA chapter, Ohio;

- Grain Production – Entrepreneurship/Placement: Karsen Sprang, Kenton-OHP FFA chapter, Ohio;

- Specialty Crop Production – Entrepreneurship/Placement: Haley McNaull, Ashland FFA chapter, Ohio;

- Outdoor Recreation – Entrepreneurship/Placement: Alex Amettis, Maroa-Forsyth FFA chapter, Illinois:

- Agricultural Mechanics Repair and Maintenance – Entrepreneurship: Cameron Williams, Christian County FFA chapter, Kentucky;

National Agriscience Fair:

- Animal Systems, division 2: Paul Noll and Kevin Noll, Prairie Heights FFA chapter, Indiana;

- Animal Sciences, division 3: Hayden Ocheltree, North Polk FFA chapter, Iowa.

FFA said next year’s 100th convention, Oct. 27-30 in Indianapolis, will kick off a yearlong celebration honoring a century of premier leadership, personal growth and career success through FFA.