2026 NACTA Executive Committee Election Results

According to NACTA bylaws, nominations for the 2026 NACTA Executive Committee election were sought from and then voted upon by the NACTA membership. Seven candidates for seven positions were elected. It is my pleasure to announce to you the results of the recent election:

• President-Elect (1-year term, 3-year commitment): Carrie Pickworth
• Global Engagement Committee Chair (2-year term): Carson Nesbella
• Educator Recognition Committee Chair (2-year term): Cheryl Wachenheim
• Judging Contest Director (2-year term): Curtis Bensch
• Central Regional Director (2-year term): Gaurav Jha
• Canadian Regional Director (2-year term): Jay Steeves
• Finance Committee Member (2-year term): Jennifer Clark

I would also like to extend a sincere thank you to Cheryl Wachenheim, who is stepping off as President and who has served on the NACTA leadership team for three years, who will be stepping into the role of Educator Recognition Chair, as well as Lawrence "Art" Wolfskill, who will be stepping off of the Finance Committee, Lacey Roberts-Hill, who has served as the previous Global Engagement Committee Chair, and Don Mulvaney, who has served in the role as President-Elect but will now be taking the office of NACTA President. Carrie Pickworth has served as the previous Educator Recognition Committee Chair, but will now be taking on the role of President-Elect. Curtis Bensch, Gaurav Jha, and Jay Steeves were re-elected to their positions.

Please join me in congratulating and welcoming our new NACTA Executive Committee members!

As we congratulate our newly-elected leaders, we also encourage all members to begin considering ways they may become involved in future leadership and service opportunities with NACTA. Professional service is far more than organizational participation, it is an opportunity for personal growth, professional development, collaboration, and meaningful contribution to the future of agricultural and applied sciences education. 

Serving professionally within NACTA helps individuals strengthen leadership capacity, communication skills, strategic thinking, teamwork, relationship-building, and the ability to work across diverse perspectives and institutions. These experiences not only benefit the individual, but also enrich their home institution, colleagues, students, and the broader profession through the sharing of new ideas, innovative practices, and expanded professional networks. 

NACTA's continued strength depends upon engaged members who are willing to contribute their talents, perspectives, and energy in ways both large and small, We encourage members, including emerging professionals and those who may never have considered leadership roles before to begin exploring opportunities to serve on committees, contribute to initiatives, support conferences and webinars, and consider future nomination opportunities.

Leadership development within NACTA helps strengthen not only our organization itself, but also the future of our disciplines, institutions, and students.

On the NACTA Election ballot for 2027 are the following positions:

• President-Elect
• Secretary/Treasurer
• Western Regional Director
• Southern Regional Director
• Eastern Regional Director
• Educational Issues & Technology Committee Chair
• Experiential Learning Committee Chair
• Finance Committee Member

Thank you,
Elizabeth Karcher,
NACTA President