KANSAS CITY, MO. (October 10, 2023) — Agriculture Future of America (AFA), an organization committed to cultivating the next generation of agricultural leaders, welcomes Nicole Erceg as Director of Marketing.

"Finding and cultivating the right talent is the biggest shared challenge across food, production agriculture and natural resources,” says Erceg. “I'm grateful to join an organization working to tackle this by empowering the next generation with essential skills, involving the industry in crafting solutions and sharing stories that nurture cultural growth in agriculture.”

Erceg is an established leader in agricultural communications with a robust background in public relations, communications strategy, digital media and sustainability initiatives. Throughout her career, she played a pivotal role in elevating brands serving as the Director of Digital Media for the marketing agency Ranch House Designs and her own business, Erceg Creative & Consulting, which catered to a diverse clientele in the food and agriculture sector.

Notably, Erceg most recently served as the Director of Communications for Certified Angus Beef, where she contributed to growing the brand's global reputation, engaged the younger generation of consumers and connected audiences across food and agriculture. A few highlights include her work on the U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Beef, serving on the Livestock Publications Council Board of Directors, creating the Working Grasslands Conservation Initiative with Ducks Unlimited and recognition as an Emerging Leader by the North American Meat Institution.

"Nicole’s extensive experience in marketing and communications, coupled with her commitment to building transformational leaders in agriculture, aligns perfectly with our mission," says Mark Stewart, President and CEO of AFA. “We look forward to the energy and expertise she brings to our leadership team as we continue to build bridges for the next generation of agriculture industry talent."

Erceg’s vibrant and dynamic approach to marketing and communications, combined with her strategic vision and industry insight, positions her as an ideal leader for AFA. In her new role, she will lead a talented team responsible for communicating AFA's mission to diverse stakeholders, from college students to industry leaders, fostering engagement and support for the organization's initiatives.

For media inquiries or additional information, please contact:

Nicole Erceg

Director of Marketing, Agriculture Future of America

nicole.erceg@agfuture.org

About Agriculture Future of America

AFA builds bridges for young leaders to foster engagement and innovation in food and agriculture through premier leader and career development experiences. With program participation increasing 28% in the last five years, AFA has provided 26,000 leader development experiences to college leaders and young professionals from more than 200 colleges and universities throughout 43 states since its inception in 1996. AFA has awarded more than $11.5 million in academic and leader development scholarships. For more information about AFA, visit agfuture.org.