Three new state staffers this month launch careers with Michigan’s largest agricultural organization, supporting members in two field regions and statewide membership programming.
North
Kathleen Blust will work with Farm Bureau members in the organization’s North region: Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Emmet, Otsego and Presque Isle counties.
No stranger to Farm Bureau, she served in local leadership positions with both the Oakland and Emmet County Farm Bureaus, including experience with the organization’s Young Farmer and membership recruitment programming.
Blust earned her teaching master’s at Oakland University after majoring in biology and mathematics as an undergrad. Most recently she taught both subjects in grades 7-11 at Pellston Schools, where she also coached shooting sports, served as a student advisor and mentor, and was the staff lead on student experience trips.
West-Central
As the new Regional Manager in the West-Central region, Chesaning native Jenna Bailey will work with the county Farm Bureaus in the West-Central region: Mecosta, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oceana and Osceola counties.
She studied criminal justice and history at Saginaw Valley State University, and comes to Farm Bureau from work in child-protective services for the State of Michigan, where she helped ensure the safety of children and the general public.
Bailey earned her agricultural chops early, showing horses with the Chesaning 4-H and FFA. She also breeds and shows mini rex rabbits. In the West-Central region she looks forward to helping county Farm Bureaus grow their membership rosters and get those members more involved in the organization.
Membership
Taylor Sample takes on a vital role supporting MFB’s membership and county services departments at the organization’s home office on the west side of Lansing.
She most recently served as Engagement and Enrichment Director at Red Cedar Lodge, where she oversaw activity and event operations, as well as retention and recruitment initiatives.
Sample is a graduate of Central Michigan University, where her degree in recreation, parks and leisure services administration focused on therapeutic recreation.
Outside the day job she owns a photography business and wrangles two young daughters — and her husband!
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