At AFA, we believe leadership is about more than titles or achievements, it’s about the impact you make and the connections you build. This year, we are proud to introduce Macy Carter, one of three finalists for the 2025 Bridge Builder Award, which honors AFA alumni making waves in their careers, communities and the agriculture industry.

Who is Macy Carter?

Macy Carter is a media planner at AdFarm, a marketing agency exclusively serving agricultural clients. In her role, Macy leads the strategic development and execution of paid media campaigns, helping agricultural brands effectively connect with their audiences nationwide.

A proud graduate of Iowa State University, Macy earned her bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Communications and Agriculture and Society. During her time at Iowa State, she actively shaped the student community through involvement in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Student Council, Bacon Expo Executive Team, Agriculture Exploration Peer Mentor Program, and Cardinal Key Honor Society.

Rooted in Agriculture from Day One

Growing up on her family’s generational farm in Creston, Iowa, Macy’s passion for agriculture was shaped early. She raised a cow-calf herd and showed livestock through 4-H and FFA, experiences that instilled leadership, work ethic and an enduring commitment to rural communities. Today, she remains a proud alumna of both organizations, continuing to give back as a volunteer and livestock judge.

Leading Beyond the Farm Gate

Before joining AdFarm, Macy served as Partnership Coordinator at the American Royal Association in Kansas City. There, she played a critical role in fundraising over $1.19 million for signature events like the World Series of Barbecue, ProRodeo and year-round youth programming. She cultivated and maintained relationships with more than 250 partners and donors and managed the Uptown Hoedown event, significantly boosting its profitability and impact.

Earlier in her career, Macy worked at Cargill Protein & Salt’s Turkey Business in Springdale, Arkansas, supporting internal and external communications and gaining hands-on experience across live production and processing operations.

What Does Being a Bridge Builder Mean to Macy?

“To me, being a bridge builder means showing up with integrity, even when no one is watching,” Macy shared. “It’s about leading with heart and grit, paving the way so others can follow with confidence. Bridge builders invest in others, offer solutions when challenges arise, and foster connection at every opportunity. They are role models who lead with humility and purpose, committed to making the agricultural industry — and the people within it — better every single day.”

Where is Macy Today?

Macy now resides in Washington, Iowa, with her husband, who farms and backgrounds feeder calves. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, boating, working out, reading and spending time with family and friends. She remains passionate about giving back to rural communities through service and community-driven projects.

Celebrating Macy’s Leadership

The Bridge Builder Award will be presented at AFA Leaders Conference during the Bridge Builder Celebration on Friday, Nov. 7, 2025, in Kansas City, Missouri. This award celebrates alumni like Macy who go above and beyond to connect, inspire and lead with purpose in agriculture.