Longtime Ag in the Classroom Coordinator Chris Fleming Retiring, Scott Bohannon Stepping In

After almost three decades, Tennessee Agriculture in the Classroom Coordinator and Associate Director of Special Programs Chris Fleming has announced he will retire at the end of the year.

"The old quote, 'If you love what you do, you'll never work a day in your life' applies to my time at Farm Bureau with Tennessee Ag in the Classroom," said Fleming. "Working for and with the volunteers and staff has been rewarding beyond measure. I will miss the people who make it a priority to educate today's youth and tomorrow's leaders, but I look forward to continuing my support for agricultural literacy at the local, state and national levels. After all, my grandchildren need to know the importance of agriculture too."

In 1998, Fleming joined Farm Bureau to lead the organization's efforts in educating students and teachers about where their food, fiber and fuel come from. From implementing teacher workshops and helping to train thousands of teachers to helping introduce the first-of-its-kind AgSimulator and now Mobile Ag Classroom, Fleming has been steadfast and passionate about his role since the beginning. He has helped to train thousands of teachers and share the importance of farmers with an even greater number of children.

"No doubt Chris has made his mark on Tennessee agriculture through his decades of service to this organization," said Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation Executive Vice President Bryan Wright. "We're grateful for the dedication he has always brought to his role and the mission of Ag in the Classroom, and we wish him extremely well in a much-deserved retirement."

Before coming to work for Farm Bureau, Fleming spent 12 years teaching agriculture in McNairy and Maury County, presumably where his love for educating the next generation really began. He and his wife, Teresa, have been married for 38 years and currently reside in Loretto where they are proud parents of three sons and grandparents of five grandchildren.

On June 1, Scott Bohannon joined the special programs team as assistant director and coordinator in training. At the conclusion of the year, Bohannon will spearhead Tennessee Agriculture in the Classroom alongside the special programs team. He will strive to enhance agricultural literacy across the Volunteer State and ensure students and teachers alike receive the resources and information needed to understand agriculture's importance and connection to their lives.

"We're excited to have Scott join our staff," said Wright. "His experience in training and leadership education will be critical in developing and growing Tennessee Agriculture in the Classroom. I always say this program is the crown jewel of our organization, and we look forward to how Scott will build upon the success in years to come."

Born and raised in Humphreys County, Bohannon's passion for agriculture and education was sparked during his time in FFA where he served as a Tennessee FFA state officer in 2013-2014. After graduating from McEwen High School in 2012, he attended Tennessee Tech University where he majored in agricultural business and communications and minored in marketing. He then went on to obtain a master's degree in agricultural communications from Oklahoma State University. After graduating, he has spent the past 8 years helping to manage and lead education and training for Tennessee Farmers Cooperative.

"I believe strongly in the role Tennessee Farm Bureau plays in equipping educators and connecting communities to agriculture across the state," said Bohannon. "I'm excited to contribute to the educational and outreach efforts and hope to expand agricultural awareness in Tennessee in a new way."

Bohannon is currently residing in Middle Tennessee is proud to still be involved in his home church where he leads junior camp.