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The blue jackets are coming to Indiana this week for the 84th annual National Convention, and one recently retired FFA state President will have one last hurrah with his jacket on. Travis Martin, president of Indiana FFA two years ago and current Purdue student, has been selected chairman of the nominating committee. He’ll have a big moment on stage as the convention winds to a close.
“I have the privilege and the honor to actually announce the slate of officers at that last session Saturday,” he told HAT. “It’s an exciting time in Conseco Fieldhouse in from of 10,000 people. Announcing the new national officer team is going to be a really exciting time.”
Each year a nine member committee, the chairman and two from each of the country’s four regions, nominate the new slate of six national officers. It’s something Martin was anxious to be a part of.
“This is an experience that a lot of people don’t even know exists because it’s kept kind of hidden. It goes on throughout the convention so a lot of people aren’t even aware of how it works or who is involved. But it’s definitely a way to kind of end my FFA career.”
Martin explains the 38 candidates, each from a different state, are tested throughout convention week on eight competencies, helping the nominating committee to determine the best national slate.
“It’s a very transparent process. Members who are running for national office have an opportunity to see what we’re looking for in the candidates, what means success as a national officer and national officer team. So the different rounds test the various competencies between communication, team player, passion for success, and they’re also looking at coach-ability, their education, and their areas of knowledge. So there is a wide variety of things we look at as we assess the different candidates.”
National Convention runs Wednesday through Saturday at various locations in Indianapolis.
Hear the complete HAT interview with Travis Martin:
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