About the Foundation & Ambassador Scholars
The NYS Agricultural Society Foundation was launched in 2012, providing a charitable giving mechanism for agriculturalists interested in supporting the networking opportunities provided by the NYS Agricultural Society and growing educational programming for non farm audiences in NY communities. In 2014 the Foundation launched the Ambassador Scholar program which was renamed the Robert Bitz Ambassadors in 2025. Ambassadors - 18 to 25-years old - are leaders-in-training. They are eager to learn about the ag, food and natural resources industry, develop critical skills, and create their own professional networks. Ambassadors attend three days of programming highlighted by attendance at the Annual Forum, and a two-day Summer Leadership Experience in alternating productions regions statewide. The program has produced nearly 160 alumni who are teachers, researchers, business owners, consultants, policy makers and more. For more information on the Foundation or Ambassador Scholar program, contact Ann Shephard at ann@nyagsociety.org.
Apply to be a 2027 Ambassador Scholar!
Meet Our Leaders
President:
Christina Zick Dumitrov
Treasurer:
Hans Kunze
Ambassador Coordinator:
Jean Gallagher Curley
Board Members:
Karl Bitz
Jeannette Kreher Heberling
Martha Hilton
Chris Kelder
Christina Hudson Kohler
Sheila Marshman
Elwyn Voss
Kelly Young
Ambassador Scholars
Ambassador Scholars are young adults—18 to 25—who are passionate about agriculture and food. Whether in college or newly employed, they are eager to engage with supply chain decision-makers, dive into priority issues, and build hard business skills and a professional network. Competitively selected to receive free tuition and overnight expenses, Ambassadors participate in the NYS Agricultural Society’s Annual Forum in January and participate in a Summer Leadership Experience (SLE) within the diverse NYS ag and food industry. Participants can choose to re-apply for a Year 2 experience. To date, the Foundation has supported nearly 140 Ambassadors. This leadership program has shaped their academic and career paths in numerous ways.
“With so many branches of agriculture in the same room, all learning new things from each other, was a sight to see.”
Jack Fox - Self-employed
“Being new to the state, I was eager to meet industry professionals. Through the Ambassadors, I was able to learn about NY opportunities, as well as have the opportunity to connect with other young adults on a more personal level.”
Hannah Gonzalez - NYS Dept of Ag & Mkts
“From the Forum to the tours… being an Ambassador provided me with unique exposure to agricultural activities going on across the state.”
Riley Wolfanger - USDA
The Robert Bitz Ambassador Scholars program provides emerging agricultural leaders with opportunities to:
Broaden their understanding of NY agriculture by exploring the people, sectors, issues, and opportunities shaping the state’s food and agriculture system.
Build meaningful connections with peers and professionals from across NY agriculture.
Develop skills and self-awareness that strengthen their ability to communicate, engage with others, and navigate future opportunities.
Explore pathways for involvement and contribution within NY agriculture and consider how they can make a positive impact throughout their careers.
Apply below by November 13, 2026. For more information, contact Jean Curley, jean@jeancurley.com.
Ambassador Application
Foundation Donors
