Mark Jewell is an internationally renowned leadership speaker and coach. As the founder and CEO of Thrive Today, an agribusiness leadership development company, Mark has worked with countless industry leaders around the globe. Over the past 20 years, Mark has partnered with major organizations like The Andersons, Verdesian Life Sciences,  Purina, and more than 30 Farmer Cooperatives to facilitate training and help build high-performing teams. 

 In addition to his speaking and coaching work, Mark hosts "The Intentional Agribusiness Leader Podcast" where he shares actionable leadership insights with his growing audience. His conversations with industry leaders like Mike Borel, Colin Steen, Kip Pendelton, Hollie Bunn, Stephanie Liska and more provide listeners with tools and strategies to lead with more intention. Mark's insightful style has resonated with professionals across various industries. 

 Mark is passionate about equipping people to lead their lives with intention. Through his keynote addresses, programs, and popular podcast, Mark is on a mission to impact ten million leaders. His goal is to spread his message of intentional leadership far and wide, helping both new and experienced professionals leave intentional legacies. Mark's expertise and experience have made him one of the most sought-after agribusiness leadership voices today.

Abby Kornegay, Manager, Issues and Engagement

Animal Agriculture Alliance

Abby Kornegay is manager, issues and engagement, at the Animal Agriculture Alliance, a nonprofit working to safeguard the future of animal agriculture and its value to society by bridging the communication gap between the farm and food communities. In her role, Abby is responsible for shaping the Alliance’s issues management and crisis communications strategy.

Abby leads the Alliance’s efforts to expose those who threaten our nation’s food security with damaging misinformation, including monitoring and responding to the efforts of adversarial groups. She also coordinates strategic engagement efforts, provides counsel to Alliance members and contacts on issues, and leads the development and implementation of the Animal Ag Allies program. She also represents the Alliance at various industry meetings.

Prior to joining the Alliance team, Abby served as animal care program manager for Butterball, LLC. Abby holds both a bachelors and master’s degree in animal science from North Carolina State University. She joined the Alliance team in May 2022 and lives in Raleigh, North Carolina with her husband and dog, Luca.

Johnna Miller, Senior Director of Media & Advocacy Training
American Farm Bureau Federation

Ty Higgins, Senior Director of Communications and Media Relations
Ohio Farm Bureau

Ty Higgins grew up on his father and grandfather's dairy farm in Licking County, Ohio. He started his career as a farm broadcaster as he studied at THE Ohio State University. After over a decade in country radio in Columbus, he found his way back to agriculture as a journalist for 10 years and has been with Ohio Farm Bureau 5 years, currently serving as their Senior Director of Communications and Media Relations. He is a proud spokesperson for Ohio agriculture and passionate advocate for farmers across the state.