Growing up on a fourth-generation family farm in northwest Ohio, Marlene quickly gained a strong work ethic, an attitude of serving others and a passion for agriculture. Today, she focuses these life-long passions on developing people and organizations. Students in the classroom, industry leaders, local associates and producer groups alike have all been the benefactors of Marlene’s talents of teaching and communicating impacting messages. Marlene’s focus is developing the existing leadership capacity within individuals and organizations through facilitating learning experiences and creating educational resources.

Marlene completed her undergraduate studies in Agricultural Education at The Ohio State University. She then attained a Master’s degree in Agricultural Leadership at the University of Florida, where she researched student involvement in collegiate agricultural organizations. She currently serves as an adjunct lecturer at The Ohio State University-Agricultural Technical Institute, teaching Agricultural Education and Agricultural Communication classes.

After living in the “big city” for several years, Marlene is glad to be back in rural America. She lives outside Wooster, Ohio, with her husband B.J. on the family farm, where they continue to enjoy livestock production raising purebred hogs and cattle.

“Go Put Your Strengths to Work”
- Marcus Buckingham

“Talent Is Never Enough”
- John C. Maxwell

“Strengths-Based Leadership”
- Tom Rath & Barry Conchie