
National AFA Alliance Advisory Council
Alliance Alumni Network
Create lifelong relationships, give back and never stop growing
The National AFA Alliance Advisory Council oversees the Alliance Alumni Network. During their terms, the ten council members support the mission of the Alliance and cultivate relationships among fellow alumni that encourage engagement with AFA. The National AFA Alliance Advisory Council is integral in fulfilling the mission of the Alliance.
National AFA Alliance Advisory Council Duties
Recognize fellow alumni through the Bridge Builder Award and Celebration
Bring alumni together through casual, formal and virtual events
Encourage a philanthropic spirit among alumni and help alumni reconnect by volunteering and giving
Help AFA alumni to grow as thought leaders and change agents
Advisory Council Members

Mark Avilla
Owner
Grafted Tree Leadership

Brad Blaha
Coordinator of Recruiting and Academic Services
South Dakota State University

Danielle Cooney-Benson
Field Scientist
Corteva Agriscience

Jacob Dailey
Council Vice Chair + Crop Insurance Specialist
Jackson Crop Insurance

Nora Faris
Attorney
Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP

Sarah Hill
Marketing & Communications Specialist
Freelancer

Amanda L. Martin, Ph.D.
Denior Director of External Relations
Farm Foundation

Nick Tarleton
Supervisor, U.S. Supply Chain - Quality Systems
McDonald's Corporation

Monica Thornburg
Manager of Industry Relations
Missouri Beef Industry Council