Long-time Executive Director for the Colorado FFA Foundation, Don Thorn, will depart the organization in early July. Don will continue to serve the next generation of agriculture leaders in his new position as the Manager of External Relations—Rural Colorado for Colorado State University (CSU).
“We are grateful for Don’s fourteen years of dedicated service to the Colorado FFA Foundation,” said Foundation board president Glenda Mostek. “He grew the Foundation from a small organization to one that makes significant impacts on the lives of FFA members, and Agricultural Education Instructors throughout Colorado. We are sad to see him leave his post but know he will continue to do great things for agriculture in Colorado.”
Don leaves a lasting impression on the Colorado FFA Foundation for decades to come. Highlights of Don’s illustrious tenure with the organization include:
- Leading the fundraising for The CoBank Center for Agricultural Education on the CSU ARDEC campus
- Acquisition of the Lewis Heritage Farm, in Berthoud, CO to be a hands-on learning center for youth around Colorado.
- Acquisition of Kobilan Ranch in Calhan, CO, which will be used for educational purposes for the public, with a focus on youth, as well as FFA members.
- Established an endowment to fund multiple initiatives including Local Teacher Success, a program designed to mentor Agricultural Education instructors early in their careers, with the goal to retain a higher percentage of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd year FFA teachers in the classroom.
A search for the next Executive Director of the Colorado FFA Foundation will begin immediately, chaired by Board President Glenda Mostek. Details about the position and to apply will be available soon at https://coloradoffafoundation.org/.