Chaliff Receives Outstanding FFA Executive Secretary Award

Indianapolis, IN – Matt Chaliff of the Kentucky Department of Education Office of Career and Technical Education and Student Transition was selected the Outstanding FFA Executive Secretary by the National Association of Supervisors of Agricultural Education (NASAE) at the group’s annual conference in Indianapolis. NASAE is the professional association for state leaders of school-based Agricultural Education across the nation.

This recognition is given annually to an individual who has made a significant impact as a state-level leader in agricultural education. Criteria for this award include how the nominee has promoted school-based agricultural education, contributed on a state/national level, and involvement in NASAE. Chaliff was selected by his peers in NASAE for this honor.

“Matt is one of the most respected Agricultural Education State Staff members in the country,” according to Kentucky FFA State Advisor Brandon Davis. “His advice and insight are often sought out by other state FFA associations, and by staff of the National FFA Organization. In this state we are blessed to have someone guiding the FFA that brings so much passion and drive to their work every single day. He is very deserving of this recognition.”

In a letter of support for Chaliff’s nomination, Sheldon McKinney, Kentucky FFA Foundation Executive Director wrote, “His work here shows that even after many years in his role, he has not grown stagnant. He truly believes in personal and professional growth for himself, our staff, officers, and teachers. We are continuing to grow because of his example.”

For the past fifteen years, Chaliff has served as a Program Consultant for Agricultural Education in the Kentucky Department of Education. By virtue of his position, he serves as the state’s FFA Executive Secretary, where he manages the day-to-day operations of the Kentucky FFA Association, with a membership of nearly 14,000 young people from 158 chapters across the Commonwealth. He is responsible for coordinating all competitive events, leadership conferences, and the annual state convention of the Kentucky FFA. Additionally, he provides support to the 281 teachers of agriculture in the state.

Prior to coming to the Department of Education, Chaliff taught Agriculture at Taylor County High School in Campbellsville. Matt and his wife Julie live in Mount Vernon and have two children, Anna Grace and Ben.