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.