Published on June 12, 2025 9:07 am
Last Updated on June 12, 2025 9:16 am
(THE 2024-2025 SLATE OF ILLINOIS FFA OFFICERS. BRODY WILL OF RURAL TEUTOPOLIS, THIS YEAR’S STATE VICE PRESIDENT, IS SECOND FROM LEFT)
Delegates at the 97th Illinois FFA State Convention officially voted to add a sixth major state officer position, making the first expansion of the officer team in nearly three decades.
After a short debate, an overwhelming majority of the 422 Illinois FFA members serving as delegates approved the amendment to the Illinois Association FFA Constitution and bylaws to add a state sentinel. The vote was met with applause from the crowd, as history was made with Tuesday’s vote.
“As we continue to grow as an organization, now six state officers can serve our membership better,” said Illinois FFA Executive Director Mindy Bunselmeyer. “Everything about today’s vote and creating a state sentinel is a win, not only for the organization, but for the agriculture industry, for these young leaders, for their families and for their communities.”
The last change to the major state officer team came in 1996 when the combined position of secretary-treasurer was split into two separate roles. Since then, Illinois FFA membership has grown to nearly 43,000 students. Bunselmeyer said the addition of a sentinel will help the state officer team commit to more opportunities to connect to the growing membership without overwhelming their workload.
