I’d like to start my first Focal Points letter by thanking our immediate Past President, Renee
Tucci AIFD for her incredible dedication , immaculate attention to detail and her unwavering
friendship to not only me but our entire organization. As I mentioned in my speech at the Annual
Members Meeting, she’s only moving one chair to my right! I will always be reaching out to her
for advice in the coming year.
I would also like to thank our incredible Symposium Coordinators , Vonda La Fever AIFD and
Randy Wooten AIFD. Elevate was everything we asked for and more!!
The atmosphere was electric with anticipation and excitement! Thank you, thank you, thank you
for all you both did to make the symposium an amazing experience for everyone! The
presentations were all breathtaking and educational, the competitions were exciting and the
hands-on classes well attended! Our students from SAIFD and FFA were all there learning and
building friendships that will last a lifetime. That’s what counts the most!!
I also mentioned in my speech that Orlando will always have a special place in my heart. Being
inducted there in 1988, elected Vice President there in 2024 and beginning my Presidency there
in 2026. I’m excited and ready to get to work !
Now that the dust has settled from the symposium, get ready for great things to happen for
AIFD! We have an outstanding National Board of Directors and Executive team, all with the
same goal in mind. Do what’s best for AIFD! Our future depends on us to make the tough
decisions to keep AIFD strong and out in the forefront. That’s exactly what we’ll do, as a team.
This isn’t a one person job, it’s all of us collaborating and doing what’s right.
My door is always open, my phone is always on, I check emails several times a day. Never
hesitate to reach out to me. If I don’t have the answer, I’ll get the person who does!
I have many great friends that are Past Presidents of AIFD. We’ve already spoken many times,
but trust me, we’ll be chatting more in the year ahead! I have very large shoes to fill, but I’m
ready for the challenge.
Let’s have a great year!!
Brent Leech AIFD
AIFD National President
2026-2027
