Andy Zahl, a former Washington FFA state officer, is the new executive director of the organization. He begins Oct. 2.

“Having a background in agriculture, FFA and student leadership — those are the three basic things that raised me and got me through where I am,” Zahl told the Capital Press.

When the job became available, Zahl, 28, said he thought it was the perfect blend of his background and passions.

He was state secretary during the 2013-2014 year.

“I got to see all the doors that FFA opens up to others,” he said.

His favorite memory from that time is visiting the many FFA chapters.

“Spending that time on the road, meeting people where they are, eating dinner with their families in their homes — you really get to meet the diverse ag youth that Washington has, north, south, east, west,” he said.

Better opportunities

One of his biggest goals is to improve opportunities for all students, he said.

“It doesn’t matter your background, where you’re from, who you are — you should have the opportunity to succeed,” he said. “Our role as FFA — ag advisors, state advisor, top to bottom — our goal is to help students find success and reward that success.”

Zahl replaces Dany Payne, who held the position for nearly two years. She will help with the transition as Zahl comes on board, according to an email announcement sent to state FFA advisors.  

Ag background

Zahl grew up in the Walla Walla Valley, working on wheat and green pea harvests each summer. He started showing market lambs as a 4-H member.

His father, Jerry Zahl, is a retired longtime Walla Walla Growers Cooperative agronomic crop consultant.

Zahl received an international agribusiness degree and minored in Spanish at Oklahoma State University. He sold beef and dairy cattle pharmaceuticals in the Midwest before returning to Walla Walla in 2019. He has worked in the wine industry the past four years.

Agriculture is the heart of FFA, Zahl said.

“FFA cannot do what it does without strong partnership with the agricultural industry,” he said. “I look forward to working with Washington ag leaders (on) how we promote our students, to therefore better serve the workforce when they’re through with their education.”

The next era

Zahl has helped run the state convention for the past few years as a volunteer, said Jesse Taylor, executive director of the Washington FFA Foundation.

“He’s going to lead a great state officer team,” Taylor said. “I think he’s at a great age, he understands how to talk to those youngsters, and the adults and the teachers, too.” 

“I look forward to being able to serve the FFA to take it into this next era,” Zahl said.