WASHINGTON, DC (September 11, 2025) – Today, the Crop Insurance and Reinsurance Bureau (CIRB) named 14 industry professionals to its 2025-2026 Leadership Development Program (LDP), formerly called the Emerging Leaders Program (ELP). The Leadership Development Program is designed to build the next generation of crop insurance and reinsurance leaders and provide new leadership opportunities for seasoned crop insurance professionals.
“The Leadership Development Program is a key part in how the Crop Insurance and Reinsurance Bureau is preparing the next generation of leaders to serve the crop insurance industry. Throughout the year, participants in the class will have the opportunity to learn from industry experts, develop valuable relationships through networking, and participate in advocacy opportunities with decisionmakers in Washington, D.C. On behalf of the entire CIRB Executive Committee, we look forward to another year of unwavering support for the program and the development of those who will take the helm of the industry in the future,” said Lindsey Rinkenberger, CIRB chairwoman.
The 2025-2026 CIRB Leadership Development Program class includes:
- Heather Jager, American Farm Bureau Insurance Services
- Jamie Mason, American Farm Bureau Insurance Services
- Aaron Larson, AgriSompo
- Audrey Carls, AgriSompo
- Dylan Houser, COUNTRY Financial
- Shelby Oetting, Farm Bureau Financial Services
- Josh Menz, Farmers Mutual Hail
- Kathleen Bjerke, Farmers Mutual Hail
- Avery Cook, Gallagher Re
- Kody Kirkendall, Guy Carpenter
- Ashley Hawley, Hudson Crop
- Isaac Straub, Hudson Crop
- Josh Goche, Rural Community Insurance Services
- Stephanie Manhart, Rural Community Insurance Services
Throughout the yearlong program, LDP participants will receive leadership development training, learn strategies for effective advocacy for the crop insurance industry, and have the opportunity to build their professional network through participation in meetings and events.
Background:
In 2025, the CIRB Executive Committee voted to change the name of the program to the Leadership Development Program (LDP) from the Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) to more accurately reflect participation within the class. The LDP is open to employees of CIRB member companies who wish to expand their network and broaden their knowledge of the industry. Prior to the name change, the Emerging Leaders Program graduated 115 crop insurance professionals over 10 classes.