MANKATO – Effective March 13, GreenSeam Director Sam Ziegler will transition from his role to return full-time to help lead and sustain his family’s fifth-generation farming operation.

Ziegler has served as Director of GreenSeam for the past ten years, helping to establish and grow the initiative as a recognized leader in advancing the food and agribusiness economy in southern Minnesota. During his tenure, GreenSeam strengthened regional partnerships, elevated industry visibility, and supported collaboration across business, education, and community stakeholders.

“Sam has played a significant role in shaping GreenSeam over the past decade,” said Della Schmidt, President and CEO of Greater Mankato Growth, Inc. “We are grateful for his leadership, his commitment to the region’s agribusiness sector, and the strong foundation he has helped build. We thank him for his contributions and wish him much success as he continues his family’s farming legacy.”

“On behalf of the GreenSeam Board of Directors, I want to thank Sam for his decade of service and leadership,” said Ryan Erickson, Sr. Manager – Manufacturing Engineering, North America, AGCO Corporation and Chair of the GreenSeam Board of Directors. “He has helped elevate the profile of our region’s agribusiness sector and strengthen valuable industry relationships. We appreciate his contributions and are committed to building on that foundation as we look ahead.”

The work of GreenSeam will continue under the guidance of its dedicated Board of Directors, engaged volunteers, and the support of the Greater Mankato Growth, Inc. leadership team during the transition period.

A formal search process for a new Director of GreenSeam has begun.

About GreenSeam

GreenSeam is an economic development organization for food and agriculture in southern MN and northern IA on a mission to elevate this region as the world-class food and agribusiness epicenter. Its work is guided by four focus areas: business attraction & creation, business retention & expansion, talent development & retention, and regional branding & promotion. As a community brand, GreenSeam’s work is made possible by its business and community investors and committee volunteers with a passion to see the food and ag industry continue to prosper and fuel communities.