Vision Statement:
LEADers for Ohiošs food and environmental systems
Mission Statement: Develop a diversity of leaders,
through education, service and expanding horizons, who make
a positive impact on food, agriculture, environment and
community.
LEAD Program Overview
The Ohio Leadership Education and Development (LEAD) Program
is a highly successful two-year
 program
created in 1985 to enhance statewide leadership. Emerging
leaders are trained about the issues of rural America and
the consuming public - along with its diversity and
particular challenges. Awareness is also built about state
and international issues and the impact that these issues
have on communities. Upon graduation, participants are
strongly encouraged to become leaders on a civic and
political level. They are also expected to assume leadership
positions within their respective organizational affiliates.
Program Purpose
Beginning in January 2002, the individuals selected to
participate will be trained over a two-year period with the
express purpose of “giving something back” and getting
involved with their communities. This community-based
strategy ensures that individuals can make a difference as
grassroots organizers.
It is our vision to train better board members, legislators
and civic leaders through the program, which will also
benefit Ohio communities directly. With the selection of the
2002 class we have laid a foundation to achieve these goals.
The LEAD program will refocus with more emphasis on
leadership development and education about the concerns of
rural communities. The issues of food, agriculture and the
environment are also studied, coupled with in-depth,
hands-on learning and problem solving about poverty and
family issues, and the legislative and political processes.
The goals of the new program emphasize the development of
hands-on leadership skills and education so that each
individual can make a difference in their community.
Program Results
To date, over 250
participants have graduated from the program and now many
serve on statewide
 rural
leadership boards and in community leadership positions
throughout the state and nation. Organizations such as
Nationwide Insurance, the Ohio Council for Cooperatives,
Ohio Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association, United
Producers, and Land O’Lakes all have LEAD alumni in
decision-making positions. Many graduates also hold jobs or
board seats in statewide farm organizations, such as the
Ohio Farm Bureau Federation, commodity groups, education,
extension/research and federal and state government.
Program Costs
There are eight in-state institutes, an international study
institute, a Chicago Board of Trade institute, a national
study institute and a National Political Processes study
institute in Washington D.C. Each in-state institute is 2-3
days long and the out-of-state institutes are from 5-8 days
long. The institutes focus upon: leadership, media training,
Ohio & national political processes, economic viability,
environmental capability, renewable resource education, food
safety and food security, social issues and family values.
Each participant pays $4,500 to participate over a two-year
period. Currently, OSU Extension, the College of Food,
Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and the Ohio
Agricultural Research and Development Center subsidize
almost half the budget. The remainder is funded by corporate
and private donations. Long term funding is being sought
through an endowment process.
Participants in the program are nominated and selected on a
competitive basis from across the State of Ohio. Criteria
include: future leadership potential based on past and
present leadership activities, commitment to learning,
values and commitment to Ohio’s agricultural industry and
rural communities, communication skills, and character.
Further questions about the
program may be directed to:
Tari
Marcou
Program Coordinator
Ph:614-292-6021
Fax:614-292-4294
marcou.3@osu.edu
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Ohio
Leadership, Education and Development Program
232 Agricultural Administration Building
2120 Fyffe Road
Columbus, Ohio 43210 |
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