Meet Our Team

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.

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 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 rank 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 has been an employee of the University since 2012 and began working with the Nebraska LEAD Program in September of 2021. 

Born and raised in Upstate New York, she moved to Nebraska with her husband, Chuck.  They have two children who have earned several degrees from UNL. 

Irene is an optimistic gardener, a fervent crafter and an avid fan of the Boston Red Sox.

Irene can be reached at the LEAD Program office at 402-472-6810 or via email at imalzer2@unl.edu.