About the Foundation

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 as 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 140 alumni who are teachers, researchers, business owners, consultants, policy makers and more.

Meet Our Leaders

President:

Christina Zick Dumitrov

Treasurer:

Hans Kunze

Board Members:

Karl Bitz

Megan Clancy

Jeannette Kreher Heberling

Martha Hilton

Chris Kelder

Kierra Kenyon

Christina Hudson Kohler

Sheila Marshman

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

Objectives:

  • Exposure to emerging issues and academic and research opportunities in the ag and food industry

  • A high-level venue and audience to practice professional business skills and develop mentor relationships

  • Direct interaction with potential employers

  • A “resume builder”

Apply below by November 1. For more information, contact Kathleen Wolfley - Coordinator - at knoblewolfley@gmail.com.

Year 1 Application

Year 2 Application

Foundation Donors