2020 Cohort
In December 2019, NCF announced the names of the seven participants of the inaugural NGLI cohort, selected through a competitive national application process as members of a year-long program to build future conservation leaders through comprehensive trainings.
“It’s a privilege to announce these seven participants as members of our inaugural NGLI cohort,” NCF Chairman Steve Robinson said. “This group of candidates demonstrated remarkable passion for locally-led conservation, and I look forward to seeing how their skills continue to develop over the next year.”
NGLI curriculum will equip leaders with skills and resources related to personal, civic and organizational leadership development. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the inaugural NGLI program year has made some adjustments to the original session design calendar. Through discussions with the NCF and the members of the 2020 cohort, it was decided that the program will not follow the original program of in-person gatherings. Instead, virtual instruction will be carried out until it is acceptable to once again travel and conduct in-person events.
Learn more about the 2020 Cohort.
Barbara Bleiweis
North Carolina
I am a 62-year-old baby boomer who some describe as “energetic for my age.” I sense that as a good thing, because I feel like four 15 year olds, still testing my limits, still growing up and plotting for the next challenge that will come my way.
Cassius Spears
Rhode Island
Cassius Champlin Spears, Sr. has dedicated his life to the preservation of Narragansett culture throughout New England and the world. He has served as cultural advisor for numerous educational projects, including the PBS documentary We Shall Remain–After the Mayflower.
Joe Caughlin
Oklahoma
Joe Caughlin, 49, is a fourth-generation agricultural producer from Tonkawa, Okla. Joe is married to Robyn and together they have three daughters and one son. Their family farming and ranching operation consists of 2,500 acres of cropland and 1,500 acres of native and improved grassland.
Mark Masters
Georgia
Mark Masters serves as director of the Georgia Water Planning and Policy Center at Albany State University and is a leading expert in agricultural water use and policy in the southeastern U.S.
Phil Campbell
Oklahoma
I’m Phil Campbell, owner of Campbell Farms in Luther, Okla.. I’m a military veteran who began working with my local conservation district following my retirement. I have a passion for learning about conservation issues and spreading the word about conservation programs in our area and state. As a result, I’ve embraced my leadership role as a district director and commissioner.
Ryan Britt
Missouri
Ryan Britt is a fifth-generation farmer who with his father, brother-in-law and the support of their families, is striving to produce corn, soybeans, wheat, hay and cow-calf to finished beef through practices which incorporate the use of technology and innovative partnerships to maximize efficiency and sustainability.
Sam Steiner
Ohio
I am a fourth-generation farmer from Lebanon, Ohio. I was raised on a dairy farm where I learned many life skills, including animal care and a love for our natural resources. I was a long-time member of the Warren County 4-H program, and I now volunteer as a club advisor. I attended The Ohio State University and majored in animal science with a minor in ag business.
You need to have people out there that are willing to share their conservation story. NGLI provides cohort members with the tools for growing as future conservation leaders at the state level that want to take on additional leadership positions and be more effective in communicating that story and implementing impactful projects. It takes some confidence in yourself and it takes a real skill to be able to fine tune that message. It is all a learning experience in NGLI, and it is an important one.