Employee Spotlight: Kathrine Ditmore

Job Title: Relationship Manager (Agribusiness unit)
Location: Harrisonburg Branch
Tenure: 6 months
Briefly describe your involvement in 4-H. I was involved in 4-H through high school. I participated in primarily Equine related activities and competed in Kentucky state horse judging and different riding events. This also led to volunteering opportunities at various events and I had the opportunity to help with a Special Riders program sponsored by my high school for students with disabilities who benefitted from riding horses, either mentally or physically.
Briefly describe your involvement in FFA. I started participating in FFA as a freshman in high school and this really changed who I am as a person. Speaking events, judging and serving as an officer really brought be out of my shell and helped shape the kind of person I am today. I had the privilege of serving as a Kentucky FFA State Officer in college and I continue to offer support as a part of my alumni chapter, support KY State FFA and look forward to being involved in supporting Virginia FFA. I have already had the opportunity to attend a local benefit dinner in Rockingham County and look forward to other such events.

Briefly describe your involvement in agriculture. I have ridden and competed horses my entire life in a variety of disciplines from hunter jumpers to barrel racing, team roping and breakaway. This gave me experiences with a variety of people in the farming industry. I have worked with cattle, spent summers in the hay field and been a ring steward and scribe for various horse shows, including the International Buckskin Association World Show. The agriculture industry offers so much in terms of learning opportunities and it is filled with the best people. That is the reason I use my agribusiness degree in agricultural finance.
Are you involved in any other clubs or organizations? I am a member of West Virginia Nursery Landscape Association and Virginia Nursery Landscape Association. I also participate in a women's golf league in Harrisonburg.
Has anyone in particular in your family had a significant impact on you? My grandmother heavily influenced who I am, as I spent many summers with her as a child. She passed away when I was 10 and forever is in my memory as a spitfire who did what she wanted and could hold her own in any situation, even as she grew older. I still remember lessons she taught me and how she never left a job half-finished. I hope I am half as strong and stubborn as she was.
Tell us about your pets. I have a gorgeous six-year-old Australian Shepherd named Cleo who has lived in more states than most people. She is a road warrior. She is naturally very energetic and loves to go on hikes with myself and any friends.

What is your favorite book or author? Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen has forever been one of my favorite reads, and I tend to re-read this at least once a year.
What is your favorite movie? One of my favorite movies is Legally Blonde – who can hate an underdog who decides she doesn't want to marry the rich man, but instead be the rich man? It also has some incredibly hilarious moments and is truly a classic.
What's at the top of your bucket list? I currently want to go on a big ladies’ golf vacation that is held annually at Pinehurst in North Carolina, where you spend a long weekend at the resort and get to play on truly amazing courses. Fingers crossed, I will be able to attend next spring!

What is your favorite place you've ever visited? I was able to spend two weeks traveling through Ireland during college and it was truly stunning all around. It's back on my bucket list to experience more of some of my favorite cities and the countryside.
How has Farm Credit helped you with your career/professional development? Farm Credit is a tightknit community nationwide, so it has really opened my eyes to the importance of connections and allowed me to see some unique aspects of agriculture, from small scale to very large operations and corporations. I have always appreciated the strong relationships I’ve had the opportunity to make with individuals throughout the system, and the willingness of those friends and colleagues to help others find success in the system.
What are your favorite weekend activities? I definitely enjoy mixing up my weekends so some may include hiking and exploring new areas, while others involve sitting inside and reading a book or watching a new show. I also like to go out golfing when time allows or hit up the driving range. I enjoy trying new restaurants, so I try to pick a new town or area occasionally and spend a day exploring what the area has to offer.