Congratulations to Newest NAAA/Syngenta Leadership Training Program Graduates

The NAAA/Syngenta Leadership Training Program—also known by Syngenta as Leadership at Its Best (LAIB)— has been shaping strong leaders in the agricultural aviation industry since 1995. This year’s intensive five-day training took place last week in the Washington, DC area. It equipped participants with the skills to effectively communicate the positive role aerial application plays in agriculture to the public, media, and government.

This year’s four participants included Jeremy Folden (AR), Kole Pederson (NE), Kris Peterson (IL), and Liam Zahm (MI). In addition to media training and learning leadership skills, they spent time on Capitol Hill lobbying important ag aviation issues, including tower marking and logging regulations, and opposing aviation user fees. Syngenta personnel commented that they were highly impressed with the four NAAA candidates recognizing their potential to shape the future of leadership in aerial application and agriculture. Congratulations to the four participants for doing their part and getting involved, working to make a difference and ensuring the voices of ag aviators are heard in the nation’s capital as well as in the public eye.

The LAIB program continues to play a vital role in shaping the next generation of agricultural leaders, ensuring that the voices of growers and agribusiness professionals are heard and respected across the globe. More than 400 individuals have completed this program through NAAA shaping the future of agricultural aviation leadership. NAAA will provide 2026 program details to state/regional associations this summer and information will be posted at the Leadership Training Program webpage.