Welcoming Class 43
We are pleased to announce the 43rd class of the AgForestry Leadership Program! These fourteen participants, a class intentionally kept small to better navigate ongoing Covid-19 restrictions, have exhibited patience, flexibility and commitment to the program. They have waited a full year between their acceptance and the start of their experience together. Class 43 will begin its journey together in October as class members dive into Leadership and Communications at Washington State University.

Lindsey Williams will serve as the Program Manager for Class 43. Lindsey is a member of Class 40 and has served on the AgForestry Board of Directors since 2019. As an AgForestry board member, mentor, and graduate, Lindsey has consistently demonstrated her commitment to the organization and to the growth of people and relationships. For these reasons, I know she will be successful in guiding Class 43 through the program and contributing to the curriculum work we are doing. I am thrilled to welcome her to the staff!

Hannah Poush, Class 38
Program Director
Class 43 Members
Darcy Batura, Roslyn
Forest Partnerships Manager,
The Nature Conservancy

Patrick Carter, Battle Ground
Lower Columbia Marketing Lead,
Weyerhaeuser

Allie Dobler, Spokane
Vice President-Customer Care,
Northwest Farm Credit Services

Jordan Hansen, Ephrata
Group Leader (Operations Manager),
Amway / Nutrilite

Jared Larwick, Vancouver
Natural Resource Specialist 4,
Department of Natural Resources

Danika Pink, Benton City
Community Outreach Coordinator,
Bleyhl Co-op

Mikala Staples, Mount Vernon
Quality, Compliance and Grower Services Manager,
Sakuma Bros. Farms and Processing
Maria Beltran, Seattle
Staff for Council President Lorena Gonzalez,
City of Seattle

Erica Christie-Jones, Colville
Forest Practices Forester,
Department of Natural Resources

Collin Emmerson, Shelton
Forester/Log Procurement,
Sierra Pacific Industries

Chris Humann, Olympia
Timber Cruising and Acquisition Supervisor,
Green Diamond Resource Company

Sean O'Brien, Washington D.C.
Deputy Chief of Staff and Legislative Director,
Congressman Dan Newhouse

Karen Sheehan, Sunnyside
Owner,
J&K Dairy, LLC

Garrett Warren, Dayton
Precision Data Manager,
Warren Farms
Owner/Manager,
Jasper Mountain Ventures
About Lindsey Williams
“I am so thrilled to be stepping into this role with AgForestry! I had a wonderful experience as a class member and am looking forward to facilitating the experience for others. The past year has been difficult in so many areas, but the team at AgForestry has stepped up to use this time to move the program forward, and I feel fortunate to be coming on board at such a time. AgForestry has helped me grow into many spaces in work and life, and I am beyond excited to continue that growth in this space, and to watch Class 43 grow as well.”

Lindsey is the Director of the Agriculture & Natural Resource Center of Excellence (ANR) at Walla Walla Community College. She has been able to bring her enthusiasm for education and Washington’s agriculture and natural resources together to assist colleges and industry partners statewide with connection opportunities, global recognition, and community education. Lindsey will continue in her role with the Center of Excellence while overseeing Class 43 for AgForestry.

Lindsey earned her B.S. in Forestry at Washington State University, and while doing so, worked for the USDA-ARS in Grain Legume Genetics research, which gave her an unexpected, but welcome, love of agriculture. Lindsey also holds Executive Certificates from Cornell University in Diversity and Inclusion, Marketing Strategy, and Project Leadership.