September 10, 2024
KARL names Frances Graves the Leadership Program Manager & Facilitator for the Program
Manhattan, KS – The Kansas Agriculture and Rural Leadership (KARL) Program has named Frances Graves of Bartlett, Kansas as its new Leadership Program Manager and Facilitator.
In her role with KARL, Graves is responsible for developing and facilitating the organization’s educational sessions, managing class communication and resources. As part of her appointment she will maintain a .20 FTE as a Community Vitality Specialist and began her position on September 1st.
“We are thrilled to welcome Frances as our new Leadership Program Manager and Facilitator,” said Jill Zimmerman, KARL president. “She brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep commitment to furthering and expanding the curriculum and the overall KARL experience. She is a passionate advocate for leadership, developing people, and communities, which makes her an invaluable addition to the KARL Program as we look to continue the growth and legacy of empowering leaders across Kansas.”
Graves is no stranger to the KARL Program. She is a Class XIII Fellow and a former member of the Board of Directors.
“The experience and community I gained from the KARL Program changed my life,” said Graves. “I’m honored to step into a role helping guide this experience for others across our state for years to come.”
Most recently, Graves served as the Director and Community Vitality Agent for the K-State Research and Extension Wildcat District in Southeast Kansas. There, she managed over 20 staff members across four counties.
Graves has a background in community development, education and communications through previous roles with the Parsons Area Community Foundation, Labette County Community College and the University of Kansas.
In her new role, Graves joins an organization that was founded in 1989 that prepares leaders to have a positive impact on Kansas agriculture and rural communities. KARL class members from across the state spend two years connecting with and learning from others through 10 multi-day seminars throughout the state, as well as a national study tour to Washington, D.C. and an international study tour. Previous KARL classes have visited farms, agricultural processing facilities and businesses in countries around the world, including China, United Arab Emirates, Chile and Spain.
“I firmly believe that the success of our rural communities depends on the abilities of local leaders, and KARL is the best immersive leadership training I’ve seen to develop these qualities,” said Graves.
To learn more about the newly selected Class XVII or information about the KARL program, visit karlprogram.com or call 785-532-6300.