Three Tennessee Leaders Named Recipients of National FFA’s Highest Honor

NASHVILLE — Three Tennessee leaders — Gov. Bill Lee, Commissioner of Agriculture Andy Holt and Rep. Johnny Shaw — have been selected to receive the Honorary American FFA Degree, the highest honor the National FFA Organization can bestow upon an individual.

The Honorary American FFA Degree recognizes individuals who have provided exceptional service on a national level to agriculture, agricultural education or FFA, with an impact extending beyond the local, regional or state level. The National FFA Board of Directors makes the final decision on recipients.

Tennessee FFA Director Ryan Inman nominated all three recipients for the national honor.

“Gov. Lee, Commissioner Holt and Representative Shaw have each made a lasting investment in the future of agriculture by creating opportunities for young people to learn, lead and prepare for careers in our industry,” Inman said. “Their support of FFA and agricultural education has had an impact well beyond the classroom and beyond Tennessee. These leaders have earned this recognition through their commitment to strengthening agriculture and preparing the next generation to lead it.”

Gov. Bill Lee

Gov. Lee has made significant investments in agricultural education, youth development and workforce preparation during his administration.

In 2019, he established the Agricultural Education and Youth Participation Task Force, bringing together education, industry and government leaders to address agricultural workforce needs and strengthen student engagement.

Lee also requested a historic $92 million investment in FFA and 4-H camp facilities, providing $46 million for each organization. The investment has expanded opportunities for leadership development, hands-on learning and agricultural career preparation for Tennessee students.

Commissioner Andy Holt

Commissioner Holt has been a longtime advocate for FFA, agricultural education and youth leadership — a commitment rooted in his own experience as an FFA member in high school. For 10 consecutive years, he led Ag Day on the Hill, giving FFA members firsthand experience in engaging with legislators, agricultural leaders and policymakers.

Through his involvement with the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, Holt works alongside agricultural leaders from across the country on issues affecting producers, education and the agricultural workforce.

His advocacy has helped increase the visibility and importance of FFA and agricultural education while supporting the National FFA mission of leadership, personal growth and career success.

Rep. Johnny Shaw

Rep. Shaw has championed agricultural innovation, education and workforce development throughout his legislative career. He sponsored the Tennessee Agricultural Innovation and Education Initiative, later named the Representative Johnny Shaw Tennessee Agricultural Innovation and Education Initiative, supporting agricultural education, innovation and workforce development.

He has also supported programs that advance priorities such as food security, agricultural literacy and rural economic development.

Shaw was named the Tennessee Forestry Association Legislator of the Year in 2016 for his work in forestry, conservation and natural resource management and the Tennessee Veterinary Medical Association Legislator of the Year in 2021 for his support of veterinary medicine and animal agriculture. He was recognized by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development in 2022 as a Tennessee State Black History Month Honoree for his work supporting rural communities and economic opportunity. He also received the Tennessee Education Association Presidential Award for Meritorious Service for his commitment to student success and educational opportunity.

The three Tennessee leaders join a distinguished group of individuals recognized by the National FFA Organization for service that has helped advance agriculture, agricultural education, and the FFA mission of premier leadership, personal growth and career success.

Translation and interpretation services for this press release are available free of charge. Please contact Kim.Doddridge@tn.gov.