Kurtis Harms, serves as the Director of the Nebraska LEAD Program, a position he has held since June 2024. As part of this appointment, he also is the Chief Operating Officer and President of the Nebraska Agricultural Leadership Council.
Prior to his work with the Nebraska LEAD Program, Kurtis spent his career in agricultural journalism, marketing and communications.
From April 2022 through May 2024, he served as the director of marketing for Pillen Family Farms and DNA Genetics, swine production and genetics companies based out of Columbus, Nebraska. Through this role, Kurtis oversaw the marketing strategy, promotions and communication efforts to maintain and elevate a strong brand.
Previously, from February 2017 through April 2022, Kurtis Harms was the director of communications with the Nebraska Corn Board. Through his position, Kurtis helped the Nebraska Corn Board achieve its mission of “promoting the value of corn by creating opportunities.” He worked to achieve this goal by identifying key audiences and reaching these groups with strategic messaging through various outreach initiatives. He managed the board’s diverse portfolio of communication, promotion and education campaigns.
Before coming to the Nebraska Corn Board, Kurtis worked for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) for nearly 10 years. At the University, he was the executive producer of “Market Journal,” a 30-minute weekly agricultural television program for farmers and ranchers across the state. Kurtis was responsible for most aspects of the program, including content generation, videography, editing, lighting, sound, distribution and promotions.
Kurtis has taught (and continues to teach) college courses at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln as a faculty member in UNL's College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, including multimedia design, videography, podcasting in agriculture and natural resources and an introduction to agricultural communications.
Kurtis is a member of the Nebraska Ag Builders and is a graduate of Nebraska LEAD Class 40. He is native of Dodge, Nebraska.
Kurtis can be reached at 402-472-6810 or via email at kharms3@unl.edu
Shana Gerdes has been a member of the Nebraska LEAD Program office since 2008. She started out working half-time as the administrative assistant and was subsequently promoted to the position of administrative associate. In this position, she manages the office, coordinates the seminars held throughout the year, publishes the annual report, and assists in the work to secure program funding.
Shana grew up on a farm near Kilkenny, Minnesota. She has a B.A. in social work from Dana College and previously used her degree in hospital, mental health, and school settings. Prior to leaving the workforce in 2000 to be an at-home mom, Shana worked at NC+ Hybrids in the sales department.
With her husband, Mike, Shana has two children. Their daughter recently earned her degree in chemical engineering from UNL and is now working for Hexagon Agility in Lincoln. Their son is a student at UNL studying math and secondary education and is a section leader playing alto sax in The Cornhusker Marching Band. Attendance at home Husker games is a must! As hobbies, Shana enjoys cycling, walking the family schnauzer Lucy, reading, music, and planting things.
Shana can be reached at 402-472-6810 or via email at sgerdes2@unl.edu
Irene Malzer
Irene started at the Nebraska LEAD Program in September of 2021. She has been at UNL almost 10 years working at the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid.
Irene was born and raised in Upstate New York and moved to Nebraska after marrying her husband, Chuck. They have 2 children both graduates of UNL. Phillip is a projection supervisor at the Ross Theatre on campus and recently completed his masters degree. Jordan is in her third year at the College of Law here on East Campus.
Irene is an avid Boston Red Sox fan, so Fenway Park is one of her favorite travel destinations. She also likes to listen to various podcasts while walking her little dog, Toby around the neighborhood.
Irene can be reached at 402-472-6810
or via email at imalzer2@unl.edu