Next Up academy develops employees to help drive MFA forward
After 10 months of learning, growth and collaboration, MFA Incorporated’s Next Up Leadership Academy wrapped up its first year on June 11 with a finale at the home office in Columbia.
The inaugural class was made up of 18 employees who were identified by the company’s directors of retail strategy and district managers as having high potential for advancement. Launched last September, the academy focused on core leadership competencies such as aligning performance, customer centricity, accountability, energy and living MFA’s values. Each phase of the program built on the last, encouraging both personal reflection and practical application.
“It has been an honor to get to know and guide this first cohort over the past 10 months,” said Shelby Albin, MFA learning and development specialist. “They have grown as leaders and have come together as teams to find a solution to an issue not only affecting our company but also the industry. I am proud of their dedication and work ethic during the program, and I look forward to seeing what’s next for them.”
Participants met monthly for in-person sessions that combined leadership development with hands-on exposure to MFA operations and associated agribusinesses. Site tours included the Four Rivers Agronomy Center, Palmyra river terminal, West Central AGRIService in Adrian, Miesner Dairy in Frohna, Mountain Grove Agri Services, Mexico Feed Mill, Centralia Agri Services and Doyle Manufacturing.
The program culminated with team presentations to MFA’s executive team and key personnel, highlighting solutions to real-world business challenges.
“I was in a program like this 20 years ago, and I would not be in this role today if it weren’t for that experience,” said Bob Huffman, MFA Incorporated president and CEO. “A lot of companies don’t invest in something like this, but I would tell you the ones that do are the companies that are highly successful.”
The second round of Next Up sessions will begin in September, and participants have already been identified and invited to join the program.
TOP IMAGE CAPTION: The first employees completing MFA’s Next Up Leadership Academy, pictured with MFA Human Resources staff who helped coordinate the program, are, from left: Shelby Albin, learning and development specialist; Paul Stark, crop consultant, District 7; Michael Reese, Agri Services manager, Marshfield; Koby Limbach, office supervisor, Jefferson City; Paige Schanzmeyer, assistant manager, Boonville; Tanner Lain, custom applicator, Marion County; Sarah Ralls, bookkeeper, Hale; Hunter Walls, Agri Services manager, Lamar; Alyvia Bass, field accountant; Sam Piontek, seed specialist, Districts 3 and 6; Nicole Goellner, assistant manager, Maryville; Joseph Woods, Agri Services manager, Macon; Levi Banner, agronomy KAM, District 4; Seth Blattel, Agri Services manager, Chaffee; Cheston Stacy, grazing conservation specialist; Matt Orlowski, agronomy KAM, District 6; Logan Locke, assistant manager, Centralia; Brandon Daniel, Agri Services manager, Lexington; Luke Akers, learning and development manager; and Rowdy West, Agri Services manager, Burlington Junction.