Rooted in Service: Lessons in Servant Leadership from Texas FFA

In this episode, host Steven Stout, FASAE, CAE, and Katy Markert, sit down with Jennifer Jackson, executive director of the Texas FFA Association, to discuss her journey from spending 15 years as an agricultural science teacher to leading the nation’s largest state FFA association. Jennifer shares how she joined Texas FFA during the pandemic in late 2021 and unexpectedly stepped into the executive director role just eight months later with the encouragement of mentor Austin Large. She highlights the scale and impact of Texas FFA, which serves more than 175,000 members across 1,100 chapters and hosts an annual convention that draws nearly 18,000 attendees. Jennifer explains how FFA builds leadership, career readiness, and community through long-standing traditions and diverse opportunities, including its unique talent competitions. She also reflects on her servant leadership philosophy, the importance of relationships and feedback, managing criticism and difficult decisions, and the value TSAE provides through professional development, perspective, and a strong network of peers.

This episode is sponsored by Visit Laredo. 

Better by Association is produced by Association Briefings.

 

Show Notes

Jennifer Jackson serves as the Executive Director of the Texas FFA Association, a role she assumed on October 1, 2021, after a nationwide search led by the Texas FFA Board of Directors. A native Texan and former FFA member, Jackson brings over 15 years of experience as an agricultural science teacher and FFA advisor. Her career has been defined by a commitment to agricultural education, programmatic development, and career and technical education, giving her both strategic insight and an educator's perspective.

In her role, Jackson honors Texas FFA's rich traditions while leading innovative initiatives to meet the evolving needs of students, educators, and communities. She is currently spearheading a forward-thinking strategic plan focused on strengthening member engagement, enhancing leadership programs, and expanding partnerships with stakeholders across the state. "Thanks to our membership, hardworking teachers, and committed stakeholders, I believe our organization's future is brighter than ever," Jackson shared. "I’m excited and honored to serve alongside this dedicated team to continue challenging our students to reach their full potential, while celebrating the values that have shaped Texas FFA for generations."