Grand President Award Nominations
Complete the Grand President Award Application online or download the Grand President Award Nomination Form.
2011 Grand President Award Winners
Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity is proud to announce the four Grand President's Award winners for Professional Achievement are Raymond Hodge, John Latham, Tom Lilja and Glenn Poxleitner. This award is presented to members under age 40 who have achieved outstanding success in their professional careers.
These young leaders will serve as role models for our undergraduate members and those just starting their professional careers. These four will meet with AGRs at Leadership Seminars and visits with chapters. The awards were presented at the 2011 Leadership Seminars.
Raymond Hodge is Director of Governmental Affairs for Southeast Milk, Inc. in Belleview, Fla. He has a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Florida. He serves on the board of directors for Suwanee County Farm Bureau, board of directors for Florida Agriculture Hall of Fame, board of directors for Mason Smoak Foundation, and is president of Rotary Club of Live Oak and state officer of Florida FFA Association.
Through his contributions to agriculture, Hodge has devoted his career to influencing agricultural policy on the state and national level through his work as a legislative aide or lobbyist. He has worked tirelessly on the political campaigns of a variety of candidates on the local, state and congressional levels. He has also made it a point to assist AGR brothers seeking political office. He is currently working with Congressman Adam Putnam who is seeking the office of Florida Commissioner of Agricultural and Consumer Services.
John Latham is president of Latham Hi-Tech Hybrids, Inc. in Alexander, Iowa. He has a Bachelor of Science degree from Iowa State University. He has been very involved within his community. In 2008 he served as president of his church’s congregation. The following year, he was a member of the church’s call committee to help bring in a new pastor. He has helped raise thousands of dollars for the American Cancer Society through sponsorship of their local Relay for Life. He and his family are key sponsors of Sheffield’s Oktoberfest, which raises money for Sheffield’s little league programs, and are also heavily involved with the sponsorship of Hampton’s new aquatic center.
His contributions to agriculture are evident through Latham’s Seed 2 Soil® process. Using this method, his company has been able to recommend to their customers the right seed product and trait technology for the right soil type. As an independent company with access to all corn and soybean technologies offered in the marketplace, Latham is able to help farmers find which technology is right to maximize the income of their farming operation.
Tom Lilja is executive director for North Dakota Corn Growers Association in Fargo, N.D. He has a Bachelor of Science degree from North Dakota State University. As an active member of his community, Lilja acted as District 27 chairman of the North Dakota Republican Party from 2004 until 2007. In this position he organized poll workers for elections and assisted with election planning and budgets. He has been part of the National Corn Growers Public Policy Action Team since 2008. Lilja was also a 9/11 New York Disaster Relief Volunteer Election Precinct Volunteer.
Through his contributions to agriculture, Lilja has a deep understanding of markets and risk management techniques for growers. He was the Market Analyst for Progressive Ag, the #1 marketing firm in the United States, for the 2004 crop year. He supports a common sense approach to defending ethanol, renewable energy and the corn industry.
Glenn Poxleitner is a forester, log buyer and public relations officer for Idaho Forest Group in Grangeville, Idaho. He is also owner operator of NP Cattle Ranch/Farm, where he raises Black Angus cattle, hay and has approximately 200 acres of timberland. He has a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Idaho.
In 1994, Poxleitner was named “Mr. AGR,” and in 2009 he was recognized as Beta Phi Alumni of the Year. He has served as church parish council president for two years and is very active with local schools. He coaches the fifth and sixth grade girls teams each year and acts as referee when needed. Additionally, he is president of the school booster club, and he is an active member of the local Knights of Columbus.
Through his contributions to agriculture, Poxleitner has been actively involved with 4-H programs, and he served as chairperson for a $50,000 fundraising campaign. He also contributes civically through his leadership on the Republican Central Committee to find good candidates who understand local agriculture values in the state of Idaho. He has been especially involved in ag educational programs for schoolchildren and landowner educational seminars for local farms, ranchers and timer owners.
Grand President Award winners by year, including a brief biography