Four Delaware residents with deep agricultural ties have been named to the Delaware Farm Bureau Foundation’s Board of Directors, the organization revealed recently.
The newly appointed board members are Sarah Bell from Camden, Harry Daisey from Bridgeville, Kathryn Simpson from Harrington, and Stacie Warner from Georgetown. All four individuals combine professional expertise with a commitment to farming, educational initiatives, and community involvement.
Bell works as an Education Associate and serves as the Agriculture, Technology, and CTE Program Quality Lead with Delaware’s Department of Education. She also advises the Delaware FFA Association. Growing up on a small farm near Felton, Bell participated in both 4-H and FFA programs, which ignited her dedication to agricultural education. She attributes her motivation to give back to the agriculture teachers and 4-H extension agents who influenced her. Bell is eager to collaborate with the Foundation to create more agricultural learning experiences for Delaware students. When not working, she enjoys outdoor activities, livestock care, and watching her sons compete in lacrosse.
Daisey operates as an insurance agent with Daisey Insurance in Bridgeville and spent his childhood working on the family farm, assisting with chicken house operations and crop planting. His farming upbringing inspired his commitment to educating the public about food origins and the dedication required in farming. Daisey views his Foundation position as a chance to help people recognize the value of a robust farming community. During his leisure time, he pursues hunting, woodworking, and canning activities with his granddaughters. Daisey also aspires to create a foundation supporting veterans, as a tribute to his late son who served in Iraq.
Simpson holds the position of Ag Relationship Manager at Horizon Farm Credit and contributes both personal and professional agricultural knowledge to the board. She was raised on her family’s farm and comes from generations of farmers on both her mother’s and father’s sides. Simpson participated in dairy cattle raising and showing with her siblings at the Delaware State Fair and has recently launched a farming venture with her brother. Her career background includes time with Hanover Foods Corporation before moving to Horizon Farm Credit in 2023. Simpson aims to leverage her hands-on farming knowledge to teach young people about agriculture and food production. She has a unique Farm Bureau connection, as her great-grandfather held the position of Delaware Farm Bureau’s inaugural president in 1945. In her personal time, she enjoys activities with her boyfriend Ryan and their dogs Bandit and Annie, including boating, gardening, and walking their farm property.
“Growing up on the farm instilled in me the values of responsibility, determination, and grit, which are all traits that guide me through my work today,” said Simpson. “I believe that the younger generations deserve to have similar experiences, or have the opportunity to learn more about agriculture and its importance.”
Warner serves as Vice President Relationship Manager at First Citizens Community Bank and brings over two decades of agricultural finance experience to the board. Raised on her family’s farming operation, Warner obtained a Bachelor of Science in General Agriculture from the University of Delaware and has dedicated her career to supporting farmers through financial services. She is driven to help connect consumers with producers, particularly as fewer people today maintain direct agricultural ties. Warner aims to assist the Foundation in enhancing public awareness of agriculture’s status as Delaware’s leading industry. Beyond her professional duties, she maintains lifelong membership at Providence Community Church and enjoys family time, four-wheeling in West Virginia, and attending musical performances.
The current DEFB Foundation Board also includes Chair Bill Powers, Vice Chair Steve Breeding, Troy Dickerson, Laura Hill, David Holtz, Kitty Holtz, Chuck Hoober, Stewart Ramsey, and June Unruh.
The Delaware Farm Bureau Foundation operates as a non-profit organization dedicated to building awareness, understanding, and positive public perception about Delaware’s farm operations, promoting fresh local food, and sponsoring the Ag Education Mobile Classroom. More information and support opportunities are available at www.defb.org/foundation/.
