Illinois Farm Management and Appraisal Society Elects New Leadership

By Andi Anderson

The Illinois Society of Professional Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers welcomed a new leadership team during its annual meeting on February 8 in Champaign, IL. Elizabeth Strom, an accredited farm manager with Murray Wise and Associates based in Champaign, was elected as the new president.

Strom, a native of Toulon, has been an active member of the organization since 2016. She holds an Associates degree from Black Hawk College East Campus in Kewanee, IL, and a Bachelor's in agricultural business from Iowa State University. Having previously served as president-elect and vice president of the Chapter, Strom brings a wealth of experience and dedication to her new role.

Joining Strom in the leadership team are Michael Lauher, AFM, from First Mid Ag Services in Mattoon, and Laura Enger, an appraiser with Farm Credit Illinois in Mahomet. Russell Hiatt, AFM, ALC, of Hiatt Enterprises in Champaign, transitions to the role of immediate past president.

Strom's first official action as president was to request the continued service of Gary Schnitkey, Ph.D., from the University of Illinois, as Secretary/Treasurer of the Chapter. Additionally, Maria Boerngen, Ph.D., from Illinois State University, will continue as the Academic Vice President, serving at the request of the board.

The Illinois Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers, founded in 1928, is the oldest among the 28 state chapters of the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers. With a current membership of 262 active members and over 40 'friends' of the Chapter, the organization plays a vital role in shaping the future of Illinois agriculture.

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