Staff

Anita Vanderwert brings more than 25 years of agricultural communication, marketing, and industry leadership to her role as Executive Director of Missouri ALOT. Raised on her family’s livestock operation in central Missouri, Anita’s deep roots in agriculture have shaped her lifelong commitment to supporting rural communities and advancing the agricultural sector.

Anita’s professional career has centered on connecting farmers, agribusinesses, and rural audiences through strategic communication and relationship building. Most recently, she served as Business Development Director at Brownfield Ag News, one of the nation’s largest agricultural news networks, where she worked closely with partners to develop solutions that resonate with agricultural audiences. Her work reflected a deep understanding of agricultural leaders, rural communities, and effective storytelling within the industry.

Prior to her tenure at Brownfield, Anita gained valuable experience in sales, marketing, and communications with organizations including the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, Osborn Barr, and the American International Charolais Association. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Journalism with a minor in Animal Sciences from the University of Missouri.

Anita and her husband continue to farm in central Missouri, remaining actively engaged in agricultural life. Her extensive industry experience, strong professional network, and passion for leadership position her well to guide Missouri ALOT and support the next generation of agricultural leaders.

Alyssa Killingsworth joined the Missouri Agricultural Leadership of Tomorrow (ALOT) program as Director of Communications and Marketing in 2024, having been inspired by her time in Class XIX. Raised on a farm in central Missouri, Alyssa is deeply rooted in agriculture and passionate about rural leadership development. Prior to joining ALOT, she spent six years with Convoy of Hope, a global humanitarian organization, where she led partnership efforts and supported agricultural initiatives focused on food security and sustainable farming in developing countries. Alyssa holds both a bachelor’s degree in agricultural communications and a master’s degree in plant science from the Darr College of Agriculture at Missouri State University.