Nebraska Farm Bureau Expands Leadership Development with Key Staff Promotions and New Team Structure
The Nebraska Farm Bureau (NEFB) is investing in the future of its members and communities by expanding its leadership development resources through a significant internal realignment. The changes announced by Chief Administrator Rob Robertson include promotions, new responsibilities and the creation of a dedicated Leadership Development team.
“Our members look to us not only for advocacy and support but also for opportunities to grow as leaders,” Robertson said. “This realignment allows us to be more intentional in how we cultivate and empower leaders across Nebraska. By creating a new Leadership Development team, we’re positioning ourselves to better serve our members and fulfill our mission.”
At the center of these changes is Megahn Schafer, who has been promoted to chief strategy officer (CSO), effective Oct. 1, 2025. Schafer, who has long served as executive director of the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation, will now lead the new Leadership Development team while continuing her foundation and human resources responsibilities.
“I am honored to step into this new role and excited about what it means for our members,” Schafer said. “Leadership development has always been a cornerstone of Farm Bureau’s success, and we’re building on an already strong foundation. By aligning our strategic planning with member engagement, we can create clear pathways for members, whether they are students just starting out or experienced agricultural professionals, to grow as leaders who will strengthen their communities and our state.”
Joining Schafer on the new team is Audrey Schipporeit, previously director of Generational Engagement, who has been promoted to director of leadership development. Schipporeit will oversee the Nebraska Farm Bureau Leadership Academy and the Young Farmers and Ranchers (YF&R) Committee, among other responsibilities.
“This expansion of leadership programming underscores just how vital it is to invest in people,” Schipporeit said. “When we equip members with the skills, confidence and resources to lead, we’re strengthening not only Farm Bureau but also the future of Nebraska agriculture. Our goal is to create meaningful, hands-on opportunities that help members tell their story, advocate for agriculture, and step into leadership roles that make a lasting impact in their counties, communities and across the state.”
The restructuring also includes the creation of a new director of membership engagement position, which leads efforts for the Promotion & Education Committee, student and collegiate outreach, and broader leadership training for county leaders across the state. The role is designed both to strengthen connections with younger generations and provide consistent training resources that make it easier for county Farm Bureaus to carry out their goals and priorities.
Abby Durheim, most recently marketing coordinator, who stepped into this new role, emphasized the importance of equipping members with the tools they need to lead effectively and share their personal experiences in agriculture.
“Engaging students and young professionals is critical for the future of agriculture and Farm Bureau,” Durheim said. “But it’s just as important that we help leaders at every level showcase agriculture and make meaningful connections with consumers and community leaders. By creating clear leadership pathways and offering consistent, easy-to-use training resources for our counties, we can ensure members feel empowered from the very start. That’s how we build a stronger, more vibrant organization for years to come,” Durheim said.
Robertson noted that these staff changes reflect NEFB’s long-term vision to align leadership development with its strategic plan, ensuring that members at every stage of their involvement have opportunities to learn, lead and make an impact.
“These changes are about more than titles, they’re about impact,” Robertson said. “Every decision we’re making is designed to strengthen our ability to serve our members, protect Nebraska farm and ranch families, and ensure the future of agriculture in our state remains strong.”