Nearly 25 years ago, I received an invitation that would shape much of my professional and personal life. A then-partner suggested I attend a meeting of the New York State Agricultural Society in Syracuse, New York. He described it as a gathering of the "who’s who" in agriculture across the state—a chance to meet influential people in the industry. At the time, I didn’t fully understand what I was stepping into, but I knew I wanted to serve the agricultural community as a financial advisor, consultant, and planner. So, I went.
I walked into that meeting and found myself among a couple hundred people. I knew maybe two or three of them. Yet, despite being a newcomer, I was struck by the warmth and openness of the group. There were farmers, educators, association leaders, and industry professionals from across New York. The program was impressive: awards that celebrated excellence, speeches that inspired, and conversations that sparked meaningful connections.
Two things became clear that day. First, I wanted to be at that meeting every year. Second, I needed to get more involved. At one point, the room was asked how many attendees were graduates of Cornell’s LEAD New York program—a premier leadership development program for agricultural professionals. Half the room stood up. I knew then I wanted to be part of that program too.
Over the years, I kept attending the Agricultural Society’s annual forum and eventually applied to LEAD New York. I was fortunate to join Class 15, where I grew as a leader and developed lifelong relationships. The program brought me back to the Agricultural Society, where I chose to focus my capstone project on championing change within the organization to ensure its relevance for generations to come.
Shortly after graduating, I expressed my desire to get more involved with the Society. I was invited to join the board and quickly found myself chairing committees and diving into projects. Before long, I was asked to serve through the chairs and eventually president. It was an honor to help lead the organization through some transformative years.
During my time on the executive committee, we made significant changes: relocating venues, modernizing our programming, and raising hundreds of thousands of dollars to support youth pursuing careers in agriculture. We installed term limits, ensuring fresh perspectives and leadership, and focused on building a stronger foundation for the Society’s future. While challenges remain, I’m incredibly proud of how the Agricultural Society has evolved to stay relevant in a changing world.
Today, as I walked into a room filled with nearly 300 attendees, I recognized most of the faces—many of them now colleagues, friends, and even clients. Over the past 20-plus years, the Agricultural Society has truly fulfilled its mission: educating, celebrating excellence, and fostering connections to strengthen agriculture in New York. It’s remarkable to see how far the Society has come while staying true to its purpose.
Driving home on a wintry evening after this year’s forum, I found myself reflecting on the journey. The opportunities the Society has given me, and the relationships it has brought into my life, are immeasurable. This year, as my term on the board officially comes to an end, it’s a bittersweet moment. While I’m stepping back from the board, my commitment to the Society remains steadfast. I’m excited to stay involved in smaller ways, continuing to support its mission as it grows and adapts. In just seven years, the Agricultural Society will celebrate its 200th anniversary—a testament to the enduring impact of agriculture in our state. I’m proud of the progress we’ve made and eager to see how the Society will continue to evolve in the years ahead.
The Agricultural Society is more than an organization; it’s a community—a place where people come together to share ideas, celebrate achievements, and support one another. If you’re not yet a member or haven’t attended the forum, I encourage you to join and see for yourself. It’s an experience you won’t regret.
Here’s to the future of agriculture—and to the people whose dedication and passion make it all possible.