In this episode, Host Taylor Baker sits down with Kjer Kizer, CEO of Oregon FFA, to discuss how the organization builds student leadership at scale while aligning multiple stakeholder groups, expanding access through barrier-free participation, and strengthening communications in a changing media and technology landscape.

What You’ll Learn

• How Oregon FFA is structured across three interconnected arms (association, foundation, and alumni/friends) and why alignment matters for mission delivery.
• What it takes to lead an organization with multiple independent boards while keeping everyone focused on shared outcomes.
• How removing cost barriers can accelerate membership growth and widen access to leadership development opportunities.
• Why agricultural education and career/technical education can be a powerful lever for student success, engagement, and graduation outcomes.
• Practical approaches to communicating with different audiences, from students on social media to educators who rely on clear, streamlined updates.
• How to build donor confidence by demonstrating strong leadership, consistent stewardship, and a compelling impact story.
• Where fundraising pressure tends to show up (especially during economic uncertainty) and how diversified support helps stabilize programs.
• Responsible, real-world ways a nonprofit team can use AI for communications and speaking prep while protecting student privacy.

This conversation highlights how mission-driven growth requires more than passion—it demands operational clarity, stakeholder alignment, and communication systems that meet people where they are. Kjer’s perspective underscores that when access barriers fall and storytelling improves, organizations can scale impact while staying grounded in trust, ethics, and measurable outcomes for the communities they serve.

To learn more about Kjer Kizer and their work, visit oregonffa.com