John Gale, Nebraska Secretary of State, was the keynote speaker at the recent annual LEAD (Leadership Education/Action Development) Program recognition banquet in Lincoln.

Gale's address on March 9 provided insight on leadership development while addressing the need for quality leadership at all levels during the banquet at the Nebraska East Union on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's East Campus.

Prior to the banquet, the Nebraska Agricultural Leadership Council conducted its annual meeting at 4:45 p.m.

Nebraska LEAD XXX Fellows in alphabetical order are: Jamie Bauman, Lincoln; Doug Beck, Grant; Kris Beckler, Seward; Dale Brandstetter, Lincoln; Tami Campbell, Grand Island; Helen Cool, Gothenburg; Mary Eisenzimmer, Big Springs; Jennifer Engle, Fairmont; Daren Englund, Holdrege; Helen A. Feller, Wisner; Kevin R. Gutshall, Falls City; Loren Haselhorst, Randolph; David Hogsett, Lamar; Adam Howard, Nebraska City; Ryan Koinzan, Neligh; Jeff Kraft, Beatrice; Rebecca Kreikemeier, Bellwood; Janita R. Kube, Crofton; Chandler Mazour, Gothenburg; Darci McGee, Nelson; Deb Neidig, Madison; Scott Nelson, Newman Grove; Jason Perdue, Waco; Phil Ramsel, Grand Island; Aaron Raymond, Lincoln; Marvion Reichert, Elm Creek; Kelli Shaner, Ft. Calhoun; Matt Stockton, North Platte; and Connie Wichman, Pender.

The purpose of the Nebraska LEAD Program is to prepare and motivate men and women in agriculture for more effective leadership.

The Nebraska LEAD Program is under the direction of the Nebraska Agricultural Leadership Council, a non-profit organization in cooperation with the university's Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources and is supported by Nebraska colleges, universities, businesses, industries and individuals throughout the state.