Amanda Sommers of Waseca joined the Minnesota FFA Foundation as program coordinator on Tuesday.

“Amanda’s leadership and experience will strengthen our ability to build partnerships that will grow the important work of the Minnesota FFA Foundation. We are excited for the knowledge and passion she brings us,” said Val Aarsvold, executive director.

The Minnesota FFA Foundation is a natural fit with Sommers’s belief in the value of agricultural education in making a difference in the lives of youth, according to a press release. She grew up on a farm in southeastern Minnesota, where she was active in youth organizations including 4-H and FFA. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota in agricultural education and her master’s degree in education from the University of Minnesota Duluth.

Sommers previously worked for the University of Minnesota Extension, where she worked for 12 years as the 4-H program coordinator for Blue Earth County. Her experience working with 4-H youth, adult volunteers, building partnerships and growing the program will be a great strength to the Minnesota FFA Foundation. Sommers and her husband, Derrick, and two daughters, Hannah and Abigail, live on a hobby farm in rural Waseca.