SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The 2022-2023 Illinois State Officer Team was elected Thursday morning, June 16, via online and in-person voting during the 94th annual Illinois FFA State Convention. The officers were installed immediately following the election and will serve the Illinois Association FFA for the next 12 months.
The newly elected officers are:
President: Rachel Hood, 18, of Industry (McDonough County) and the Rushville-Industry FFA Chapter. She is the daughter of Steve and Lisa Hood and a 2022 graduate of Rushville-Industry High School. “My mission as a state officer is to serve all FFA members with inclusivity, compassion, and excitement,” Hood says. “I want to inspire them to live each day pursuing what they’re passionate about and leading a life of fulfillment.”
Vice President: Derek Sample, 18, of Sesser (Franklin County) and the Sesser-Valier FFA Chapter. The son of Jason and Heather Sample, Derek is a 2021 graduate of Sesser-Valier High School and enrolled at Rend Lake College in agricultural education. “Being from a small chapter, I know challenges exist when there’s a gap between small chapters and the larger FFA organization,” Sample says. “As a state officer, I want to bridge this gap and make sure members take advantage of all the opportunities the FFA has to offer.”
Reporter: Levi Maierhofer, 19, of Seneca (LaSalle County) and the Seneca FFA Chapter. The son of Jeff and Jenna Maierhofer, Levi is a 2021 graduate of Seneca High School and attended Joliet Junior College in sports broadcasting. “Neither life nor the FFA is the Olympics. Success is not a pedestal; it’s a step forward,” Maierhofer says. “I want to help FFA members realize that success is just a few steps away — not up — and inspire them to achieve their own view of success.”
Secretary: Haley Bode, 18, of Waterloo (Monroe County) and the Waterloo FFA Chapter. She is the daughter of Timothy and Laura Bode and a 2022 graduate of Waterloo High School. “A person’s purpose changes and adapts as they grow as an individual,” Bode says. “My purpose as a state officer is to advocate for the agriculture industry and help others realize their purpose not only in the National FFA Organization, but also to show that every person has their own place within the industry.”
Treasurer: Kate Colgan, 18, of Laura (Peoria County) and the Princeville FFA Chapter. She is the daughter of Mark and Maria Colgan and a 2022 graduate of Princeville High School. “As young people, it is our job to use our resources to shape the future of agriculture and bridge the gap between producers and consumers,” Colgan says. “As a state officer, I want to help FFA members and all people feel comfortable with the agricultural industry no matter what their background is.”
The five officers were elected from a group of 10 candidates selected by a committee in early May. Each officer puts their collegiate pursuits on hold for one year as they serve the Illinois Association FFA. Officers typically travel more than 20,000 miles visiting FFA chapters around the state, conducting workshops and meetings, representing Illinois FFA in professional settings, and promoting agricultural education. Since 1929, Illinois has elected a State FFA Officer Team.
The 94th annual Illinois State FFA Convention hosted more than 5,000 FFA members, advisors, and guests from June 14-16. With a 2022 theme of “Initiate,” the three-day event annually recognizes achievements of Illinois FFA members, elects the major state officer team, and celebrates agriculture. The convention spotlighted the Association’s annual service project, which provided $250 scholarships to 20 FFA chapters planting trees throughout the state.
Students at the convention were greeted with activities including a career fair featuring colleges and agribusinesses and an opportunity to engage in the history of Illinois’ capital city. The sessions featured addresses by National FFA Western Region Vice President Josiah Cruikshank of Oregon and from each of the retiring major state officers.
About Illinois Association FFA
The Illinois Association FFA is part of the National FFA Organization, formerly known as the Future Farmers of America. More than 23,000 students are enrolled in 354 different FFA chapters in the State of Illinois. FFA is a national youth organization of 735,038 student members with a mission of making a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education. Visit www.ilaged.org for more information.
— Illinois Association FFA
