Hoffman Named MARL Executive Director
Marshall, Minn. -- The Minnesota Agriculture and Rural Leadership (MARL) program has announced the selection of Dan Hoffman, Rochester, as Executive Director. Hoffman previously served as a Farm Business Management instructor at Riverland Community College in Austin, Minn.
MARL is an 18-month leadership development program for adults who are already active in ag and rural communities and organizations.
Hoffman will be responsible for leading MARL in its mission to develop the skills of Minnesota agricultural and rural leaders so they may maximize their impact and effectiveness in local, state, national and international arenas.
"Dan is a passionate and knowledgeable advocate who understands that we must develop visionary leaders for rural Minnesota to identify and successfully capitalize on future opportunities and overcome challenges," said Sandy Ludeman, MARL Board President. "Not only is Dan an educator, but he has been an advocate for agriculture in his work with other organizations and as the host of KSMQ's "Farm Connections" television series for the past four seasons. We are pleased to have Dan's energy, vision and expertise at MARL and we look forward to his leadership and contributions."
Hoffman received his Master of Education degree from the University of Minnesota. He has been an educator for 30 years, the first seven as an agriculture instructor at Montgomery-Lonsdale High School, where he received the Outstanding Young Ag Teacher Award in 1986. He also was elected to and served on the Montgomery City Council. For the past 23 years, he has worked as a farm business managemen tinstructor at Southland High School in Adams and later at Riverland Community College.
Farm Business Management Programs are designed to provide education to farm owners and operators with the goal to assist students in meeting their business and personal goals. This position has allowed him to work closely not only with ag producers, but agbusinesses, lenders, media representatives and other partners to advocate for agriculture in Minnesota. Dan is a MARL Class IV graduate.
