05/21/2026
Russellville FFA Alumnus thriving in the Agriculture Industry!
Izzy Michitsch Class of 2012
If you’ve attended an LMA event in the past decade, you have probably seen Izzy Michitsch at work, making sure every detail comes together smoothly for LMA members.
Having just marked her 10-year work anniversary at LMA, Izzy’s journey began as an intern and evolved into a lifelong career.
“I was sitting in a college class when Kristen Parman came in to talk about an open position at LMA,” Izzy recalled. “The fast-paced environment and the opportunity to plan events really grabbed my attention. I was excited by the idea of meeting members and being around hardworking people from rural America.”
That connection to agriculture was the deciding factor. Although Izzy didn’t grow up in the cattle industry, moving from California at age 10 introduced her to the field, and she quickly developed a lifelong passion for cattle and agriculture.
Izzy’s days are never identical, and that is just how she prefers it.
Her mornings usually begin with a cup of coffee and a to-do list. After that, her day rarely follows a routine. Izzy manages everything from large events like the World Livestock Auctioneer Championship (WLAC) and Common Ground Coalition meetings to working directly with members, hotels, and vendors, always keeping many tasks on track.
“LMA isn’t a place where you wear only one hat. We wear many,” she explained. “That’s part of the excitement.”
Whether she is arranging travel, managing event details, supporting membership services, helping with LMA Auctions, or answering member calls, Izzy always keeps her focus on providing an excellent experience.
For Izzy, the most rewarding aspect of her job is seeing everything come together.
“There is nothing better than wrapping up an event and hearing that people enjoyed themselves,” she said. “It can be demanding and tiring, but knowing you helped create an experience where people connected and had a good time makes it all worthwhile.”
When she isn’t planning events, Izzy spends most of her time with her 10-month-old daughter, Sophia, and partner, Brad.
Together, they enjoy checking their Hereford cattle or helping on the family farm in southwest Missouri. Whenever she can, Izzy likes to be outdoors, working out, growing flowers (especially dahlias), or baking—sourdough bread is her specialty.
“It’s relaxing for me,” she said. “I don’t do it all the time, but I love the process.”
Izzy’s childhood was shaped by a home that welcomed international exchange students, which gave her unique experiences.
“We’ve had students from Spain, Germany, Hong Kong, and Russia,” she said. “They have become like family to us—my bonus sisters and brother.”
Those connections have even taken her abroad, including a visit to Germany where her host sister’s family runs a large farming operation.
Izzy carries simple but powerful advice with her every day: “Don’t be afraid to say hello to the person next to you. You never know who you’ll meet, and it can brighten someone’s day.”
She has similar advice for those just starting out in the industry: “Get involved in anything you can and don’t be afraid to talk to people. It’s tough in the beginning, but it is how you learn and it’s worth it.”
At the end of the day, Izzy says the sense of family within LMA is what matters most to her.
“I’ve loved getting to know our members and learning from them. Family is incredibly important to me, and working at LMA makes me feel like I am part of one every day.”
