05/01/2026
ACE is excited to announce the 2026–2027 Leadership Institute cohort!
This talented group of communication professionals from across the country will spend the next year developing leadership competencies, building professional influence, and learning to drive impactful change in their organizations and the broader communications field.
2026–2027 Cohort:
Amy Calabretta — Director of Communications and Strategic Initiatives
University of Idaho
Inka Bajandas — Public Affairs Manager
Oregon Forest Resources Institute
Tate Cronin — Marketing and Communications Specialist
University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture
Olivia McClure — Associate Communications Specialist
LSU AgCenter
Allison Vitt — Assistant Director, Marketing and Communications
Colorado State University, Office of Engagement and Extension
Stephanie Perla — Marketing Content Specialist
UC Davis College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
(non-member)
Amy Muise — Instructional Designer/Webmaster
New Mexico State University
Cyril Ibe, PhD. — Interim Communications Coordinator
Central State University
Lesa Vold — Program Manager & Communications Specialist
Egg Industry Center at Iowa State University
Kirsten Conard — Digital Media Officer
Kansas State University
Matt Browning — Director of Agricultural Research & Extension Communications
West Virginia State University
Jackie Hanson — Extension Associate III (Communications Manager & Publications Editor)
University of Guam
Kim Scotto — Communications Manager
Association of Public and Land-grant Universities
Heleen Sheets — Director of Public Relations
Langston University
Sonya Moore-Davis — Director, Media & Communications
Langston University Sherman Lewis School of Agriculture & Applied Sciences
Vickey D. Williams, PhD — Communications (Media) Specialist
Alcorn State University
Claire Montoya — Director of Communications and Reporting
New Mexico State University Agricultural Experiment Station
Stay tuned as we share highlights of their journey throughout the year.