**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
July 6, 2026
Kansas Agriculture and Rural Leadership Launches Historic $5 Million Campaign to Invest in the Future of Rural Leadership | Campaign surpasses $4.5 million in early commitments as supporters invest in the next generation of Kansas leaders
MANHATTAN, Kan. — The Kansas Agriculture and Rural Leadership (KARL) Program has officially launched the public phase of its Together We Thrive campaign, a comprehensive $5 million effort to secure the future of the nationally recognized leadership development program dedicated to strengthening agriculture and rural communities across Kansas.
The campaign was officially announced during KARL’s biennial Big Event, where Fellows, current Associates, donors, and friends gathered to recognize the program’s impact and look ahead to its future. During the June event, KARL announced that more than $4 million had already been committed toward the campaign goal through the generosity of individuals, families, foundations, and agricultural organizations across Kansas.
“For more than 35 years, KARL has invested in people who go on to strengthen agriculture, rural communities, businesses, and public service throughout Kansas,” said Jill Zimmerman, KARL President. “This campaign is about ensuring those opportunities continue for generations to come. Every investment made today is an investment in the future leadership of our state.”
Tim and Michele Irsik-Flax, KARL Fellow and longtime champions of the program believe the need to invest in leadership has never been more evident.
“It seems like every conversation today eventually comes back to leadership,” Michele said. “Whether we’re talking about agriculture, government, our businesses, or our communities, we’re looking for people who are prepared to lead. Programs like KARL don’t just happen. They exist because generations before us chose to invest in people. And now it’s our turn to pay it forward.”
This fall marks the third year of their family’s matching gift challenge. Tim added, “Each year we’ve been encouraged to see the ripple effect of our investment, inspiring new donors or elevating the impact others make. That’s what legacy looks like to us.”
Since its founding in 1989, KARL has graduated over 450 Fellows representing communities across Kansas. Through an intensive two-year leadership experience, Associates gain a broader understanding of how agriculture, public policy, economics, community development, and servant leadership intersect while building relationships that last a lifetime.
The Together We Thrive campaign will provide both near and long-term resources to strengthen and sustain the program, including support for educational seminars, national and international learning experiences, leadership curriculum, accessibility, and the program’s long-term financial stability.
The success of the campaign to date reflects a truly statewide effort. Under the leadership of campaign co-chairs Carl Ice and Bill Miller and the volunteer campaign committee, KARL’s Board of Directors, Fellows, and friends have come together around a shared vision for the future of agriculture and rural Kansas.
Their collective support has helped the Together We Thrive campaign surpass $4.5 million, demonstrating a shared commitment to investing in the leaders who will strengthen Kansas for generations to come. While the campaign has benefited from transformational leadership gifts, broad participation remains a defining measure of its success.
“We’ve been humbled by the generosity of our early donors,” Zimmerman said. “Their gifts are already creating opportunities for the next generation to learn, grow, and serve. Every gift adds another voice to the growing community of people who believe leadership matters and who are willing to invest in it. That’s what Together We Thrive is all about.”
The Together We Thrive campaign continues to welcome support as KARL engages program alumni, industry partners, agricultural organizations, foundations, and friends across Kansas. To learn more about the campaign or make a gift, visit karlprogram.com/campaign-together-we-thrive.
### About the Kansas Agriculture and Rural Leadership Program
The Kansas Agriculture and Rural Leadership (KARL) Program develops informed, connected, and capable leaders who are committed to strengthening agriculture, rural communities, and the State of Kansas. Through an immersive two-year leadership experience, KARL equips participants with the knowledge, relationships, and perspective needed to address complex challenges and create lasting impacts. Since 1989, nearly 500 Fellows have completed the program and continue to serve in leadership roles across Kansas and beyond.
Members of the Together We Thrive Campaign Committee. Pictured front row, from left: Jill Zimmerman, KARL President; Andrea Krauss, Russell; Jenny Niblock, Colby; Melissa Bergkamp, Kingman; Bill Miller, Council Grove, Co-chair. Back row, from left: Doug Hofbauer, Manhattan; Jeff Deeds, Goodland; Carl Ice, Manhattan, Co-chair; Ken Wagner, Baldwin City; Kent Ott, Mulvane. Not pictured: Dr. Bill Brown, Wamego.
