Mansfield

JOSEPH — An alumna of Joseph Charter School’s FFA program will be the new chief executive officer of the state FFA program beginning in July, according to a press release.

Kjer Kizer will succeed Phil Ward, who will retire after more than three years leading the Oregon FFA organization.

“I really credit my skill set that I have now, even in my professional career today, to my time as an FFA member,” Kizer said. “I’m excited to serve an organization that gave me so much.”

FFA played a huge role in her childhood growing up in Joseph, and shaped who she became, she said.

Her parents weren’t involved in agriculture, but Kizer said she learned there was so much more to FFA than just the farming aspect.

Besides being a member in the Joseph FFA Chapter during high school, she was Oregon FFA’s state treasurer in 2000-01 before enrolling at Oregon State University.

She worked for the National FFA presenting leadership development conferences during and after college.

Chelcee Mansfield, the current adviser to Joseph FFA, said she’s thrilled to have a fellow FFA alumna heading the state organization.

“That’s really special,” she said Tuesday, June 25. “It’s pretty incredible having somebody serving as CEO from back home.”

Mansfield remembers Kizer well.

“I grew up with her. She used to show horses with my sisters. … I knew Kjer well,” she said.

Although Kizer is a little older than Mansfield, they were in the local FFA and 4-H groups around the same time.

While Kizer likely won’t show favoritism to Joseph, she will be an asset to FFA in Northeast Oregon.

“She will represent all of Oregon FFA and all ag teachers,” Mansfield said. “We’ll get to see here at a variety of different events throughout the year. … It’ll be great to know she’s representing all of us.”

Kizer, who lives in Halsey, is the director of employee and partner relations for Veterinary Services Inc. She has worked for the company at its office in Millersburg since 2014.

She said she wasn’t looking to leave VSI but couldn’t turn down the opportunity to lead Oregon FFA.

“My husband and I really prayed about it and thought it was the right decision,” she said.

Her husband, Kris Kizer also is involved in ag education, being a former ag teacher.

Kjer Kizer is a recipient of the state FFA Degree and American FFA Degree — the organization’s highest degrees at the state and national levels.

She also has been honored for volunteer efforts and leadership in support of several FFA chapters. She volunteers with other youth organizations, as well, such as 4-H.

Kizer and her husband have two teenagers who raise and show livestock.

Kirk Maag, chairman of Oregon FFA’s joint board, noted Kizer’s passion and enthusiasm for agricultural education, as well as her experience managing teams and people.

“What I think Kjer brings to the position is just a combination of skills and experience. One thing we’re so excited about is she’s a product of Oregon FFA,” Maag said. “She has a deep understanding of the organization and its mission.”

He said that he hopes Ward will continue as a senior advisor for the organization to ensure a smooth and effective transition.

Maag said Kizer could be with Oregon FFA for the long term.

“Her passion and enthusiasm will likely push Oregon FFA forward for a long time to come,” he added.

Kizer said her intention is to retire from the position.

Mansfield reiterated her enthusiasm at having Kizer at the state helm.

“It’s pretty incredible,” she said. “We’re all so proud of her. We’re very excited to have her in this role.”