CCFB News» October 2017

The board of directors of the Illinois Agricultural Leadership Foundation (IALF) is pleased to announce that Leland Strom of Elgin, Illinois has been selected to lead the organization as its Chief Executive Officer and President, effective November 1, 2017.  In this capacity, Strom will be responsible for providing overall supervision of the IALF and its leadership program.  The program is developed and executed by a staff of four, including the CEO, who are responsible for development, education, alumni and external relations.  Thirty individuals, including producers and agribusiness associates, participate in a 19-month leadership development program funded by the foundation and its investors.

Strom brings a wealth of experience in the agriculture industry to his new position with the foundation and the leadership program.  He was involved with various aspects of the nation’s Farm Credit System before being nominated by President George W. Bush to become Chairman and CEO of the Farm Credit Administration (FCA) in Washington, DC.  He served on the FCA Board from December 2006 to March 2015.  His recent role as Chief Executive Officer of FARM Illinois has provided Strom an opportunity to interact with key members of the food and agriculture industry, along with business, government, and civic leaders throughout Illinois. He will remain involved as an active member of the FARM Illinois board.  Lee is a graduate of the IALF class of 1988.