2026-2027 New Mexico FFA State Officers
Back Row L to R: Christopher Bennett, Reagan Doherty, Caden Griffin, Keleigh Jones
Front Row L to R: Karsten King, Samantha Shorty, Peyton Thompson, Avery Lawless
Front Row L to R: Karsten King, Samantha Shorty, Peyton Thompson, Avery Lawless
Meet the Officers
State President
Caden Griffin Belen FFA "What’s up, New Mexico FFA! My name is Caden Griffin, and I am honored to serve as your 2026-2027 New Mexico FFA State President. I am a proud member of the Belen FFA Chapter, and my journey through this organization has been nothing short of incredible.
Throughout my FFA experience, I have had the opportunity to compete in events such as Food Science, Poultry Evaluation, and Pasture and Range, each experience challenging me to grow, step outside my comfort zone, and embrace the many opportunities FFA provides. Coming from a family with deep roots in agriculture, I developed a passion for this industry at a young age. Over the past four years, FFA has allowed me to build upon that passion while developing as a leader, creating lifelong friendships, and connecting with incredible members from across New Mexico. I am beyond excited and grateful for the opportunity to serve as your State President this year. I look forward to traveling across our state, meeting members, celebrating your successes, and working together to make this an unforgettable year for New Mexico FFA. I cannot wait to see all that we will accomplish together!" -Caden |
State Secretary
Christopher Bennett Silver City FFA "What’s up, New Mexico FFA! My name is Christopher Bennett, and I am honored to serve as your 2026-2027 State Officer. I am a proud member of the Silver City FFA Chapter, and I am excited for the opportunity to represent members from every corner of our great state.
FFA has become one of the most meaningful parts of my life, providing me with countless opportunities to grow, learn, and discover what it truly means to serve and lead. From early mornings in the ag classroom to long drives for competitions, and even the unexpected adventures my ag teacher encouraged me to take, every experience has helped shape who I am and strengthened my passion for agriculture. Through FFA, I have learned that leadership is not about being the loudest person in the room; it is about listening to others, recognizing the value each person brings, and helping those around you reach their full potential. This year, I am excited to bring my energy, passion, and adventurous spirit to chapters across New Mexico. I cannot wait to meet members, learn what makes each chapter unique, and help ensure every FFA member feels valued, supported, and empowered to lead. Together, I know we can make this an incredible year for NM FFA!" -Chris |
State Vice-President
Samantha Shorty Shiprock FFA "Hello, New Mexico FFA! My name is Samantha Shorty, and I am a proud member of the Shiprock FFA Chapter. I am honored to serve as your 2026-2027 District I FFA President and State Vice President.
Through agriculture and FFA, I have been given countless opportunities to grow as a leader, develop new skills, and create meaningful connections with members from across our state. This organization has challenged me to step outside my comfort zone, embrace new experiences, and discover the impact we can make when we work together. I am incredibly excited and grateful for the opportunity to serve the members of New Mexico FFA this year. I look forward to traveling across the state, meeting new people, celebrating the successes of our chapters, and building connections that will last a lifetime. I cannot wait to begin this journey with each of you and make this an unforgettable year for NM FFA!" -Sam |
State Vice-President
Reagan Doherty Harding County FFA "Hey, folks! My name is Reagan Doherty, and I am a proud member of the Harding County FFA Chapter. I am honored to serve as your 2026-2027 New Mexico FFA State Vice President.
I have been blessed to grow up surrounded by agriculture, and my experiences in this industry have helped shape my passion for FFA and the people who make this organization so special. Through FFA, I have found opportunities to learn, grow, challenge myself, and build connections with members from across our great state. Outside of the blue jacket, you can find me on the basketball court, showing my heifers, or spending time livestock judging. Each of these experiences has taught me the importance of dedication, teamwork, and always striving to be my best. I am so excited for the opportunity to serve the members of NM FFA this year. I cannot wait to travel across the state, meet each of you, learn your stories, and celebrate all the amazing things happening in our chapters. I look forward to making this an unforgettable year together!" -Reagan |
State Vice-President
Karsten King Capitan FFA "Hello, New Mexico FFA! My name is Karsten King, and I am honored to serve as your 2026-2027 New Mexico FFA State Vice President.
I have been an active FFA member for the past five years, and this organization has helped me grow as a leader, discover my passion for agriculture, and develop skills that have pushed me beyond what I thought was possible. Through FFA, I have found a passion for leadership, speaking, and helping others succeed. Outside of FFA, I am involved in track, cross country, National Honor Society, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Quiz Bowl, and Student Council, where I serve as my class president. My SAE in greenhouse and floriculture has allowed me to explore my passion for botany and experience the creativity and science behind agriculture. FFA has taught me that leadership is about stepping outside your comfort zone and helping others grow along the way. I hope to be someone members know they can count on as we work together to make this an unforgettable year for New Mexico FFA!" -Karsten |
State Vice-President
Keleigh Jones Grady FFA "Hey, New Mexico FFA! My name is Keleigh Jones, and I am a proud member of the Grady FFA Chapter. I am honored to serve as your 2026-2027 District IV FFA President and New Mexico FFA State Vice President.
Agriculture has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Growing up in a farming and ranching community and later becoming involved in showing livestock, I have developed a deep appreciation for the industry and the people who make it possible. Whether I was learning in the classroom, spending long hours in the ag barn and show ring, or traveling to compete in speaking events, each experience has strengthened my passion for agriculture and my desire to advocate for this incredible industry. FFA has given me opportunities to grow as a leader, find my voice, and connect with people who share the same passion for agriculture. I am excited for the opportunity to serve the members of New Mexico FFA this year by visiting chapters, hearing your stories, and celebrating all the amazing things you are accomplishing. I cannot wait to meet each of you and make this an unforgettable year for New Mexico FFA!" -Keleigh |
State Vice-President
Avery Lawless Roswell High School FFA "Hey y’all! My name is Avery Lawless, and I am a proud member of the Roswell FFA Chapter. Through FFA, I have had the opportunity to compete in Horse Evaluation and Prepared Public Speaking, experiences that have helped me grow in confidence, develop leadership skills, and discover my passion for agriculture.
Outside of FFA, I am involved in 4-H, High School Rodeo, and play golf for Roswell High School. These experiences have taught me the importance of responsibility, dedication, and working hard toward my goals. I have always had a passion for the equine industry, and I hope to one day become an international horse judge for the American Quarter Horse Association. FFA has helped shape that dream by providing opportunities to learn, lead, and grow. I am grateful for the friendships, experiences, and opportunities this organization provides, and I am excited to serve and represent the members of NM FFA!" -Avery |
State Vice-President
Peyton Thompson Silver City FFA "Hey y’all! My name is Peyton Thompson, and I am a proud member of the Silver City FFA Chapter. I am beyond grateful and honored for the opportunity to serve as your 2026-2027 New Mexico FFA State Vice President.
FFA has given me incredible opportunities to learn, grow, and connect with people who share a passion for agriculture and leadership. Through my experiences in this organization, I have discovered the importance of building relationships, supporting others, and creating a positive impact wherever I go. This year, I am excited to travel across New Mexico, share stories, learn from each of you, and celebrate the accomplishments of our members and chapters. I hope to use the experiences and values FFA has given me to encourage others, support our members, and help create an impact that extends far beyond this year. I cannot wait to meet each of you and make this an incredible year for New Mexico FFA!" -Peyton |