Melinda Witten of Beverly has been named senior director, leadership development for Ohio Farm Bureau. She will manage the leadership development team that operates AgriPOWER, Young Ag Professionals, Youth Pathways, Ag Literacy programs, other leadership development activities and plans and manages events.

Witten interned with Farm Bureau while attending Ohio State University. Upon graduation in 2007, she joined the staff as an organization director serving farmers in three counties. She later served as field staff training specialist and then director of leadership programming. She and her husband, Scott, are a part of Witten Farms, a produce, farm market and greenhouse enterprise. They are active members of the St. Bernard Catholic Church. They are the parents of two children.

Witten’s newly created position is a part of OFBF Executive Vice President Adam Sharp’s actions to realign staff teams and departments around key strategic plan areas of advocacy, membership, communications, financial strength, strategic partnerships and organizational excellence. The process began shortly after Sharp was named OFBF executive vice president in 2016. Witten will work in the newly created strategic partnerships department.

Ohio Farm Bureau is the state’s largest and most inclusive farm and food membership organization. Its mission is working together for Ohio farmers to advance agriculture and strengthen our communities.

This is a news release for use by journalists. Questions should be directed to Joe Cornely, 614-246-8230.

Editors: A high resolution photo of Ms. Witten is available to accompany this story.

Farm Bureau connections
To grow a network and gain perspective and knowledge in the industry through personal and professional development has been invaluable. Every day I learn and grow.
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Ryanna Tietje

Henry County Farm Bureau

Farm Bureau connections
Giving farmers a voice
The issue of property taxation remains as one of the biggest challenges our members face today. Ensuring agricultural property is valued for its agricultural potential and not development is critical to the continued success of Ohio agriculture.
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Matt Aultman

Darke County Farm Bureau

Giving farmers a voice
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Farm Bureau is what really got the word out. It’s been one of their goals to get this done.
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Bill and Charlotte Wachtman

Henry County

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I could not have done it without the resources I have found through Farm Bureau.
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Gretchan Francis

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

Bringing the farm back to life
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Because we are younger farmers just starting out, Farm Bureau has a lot of good opportunities and resources to help us grow in the future.
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Hannah Kiser

Sandusky County Farm Bureau

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Chad Ruhl

Farm manager, CSI Insurance

Select Partner Program
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Mary Smallsreed

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

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