By Julie Tomascik
Editor

The Texas FFA Association named Austin Large as the new executive director effective Feb. 13.

“We are excited to have Mr. Large join the Texas FFA Association. I know he will be a great fit to lead this organization into its next level of achievement,” Ray Pieniazek, Texas FFA board of directors interim chair, said in a news release.

Large, who previously served as the Texas FFA’s leadership development coordinator, brings educational and leadership experience to the association.

Large was also an agricultural science teacher and FFA advisor in California for nearly five years and worked with the California FFA Association as an independent contractor.

Most recently, he worked as an educational specialist with the National FFA Organization, focusing on the 212 and 360 leadership conferences, the National Leadership Conference for State Officers and the Blast Off program. He also developed and facilitated the National FFA Convention’s student workshops and coordinated the national delegate process.

“I am excited to be at the helm of the largest FFA association in the country,” Large said. “Texas FFA has a storied past and a bright future, and I am honored to work with the staff, board of directors, teachers and supporters to make FFA relevant for another 89 years.”

The Texas FFA Association has more than 117,000 members in more than 1,000 chapters. It was chartered in 1929 for students enrolled in agriculture, food and natural resources. The program has since grown to a broader-based organization that addresses the needs and interests of students in rural, urban and suburban schools to develop talents and explore various career paths.

“FFA is integral to the three component model for agricultural education. FFA provides a venue for students to develop premier leadership, personal growth and career success,” Large, who is a former FFA member, said. “Students who complete our program are essential to building local communities and strengthening agriculture.”

Large succeeds Tom Maynard, who retired Jan. 9 after serving as the association’s executive director for 17 years.