Lizzie Bailey
Lizzie Bailey is a columnist, nonprofit executive, and business development consultant with extensive experience in agricultural communications, rural leadership, and community engagement. She is best known for her column, Hobby Farmer’s Daughter, which is featured in multiple Central Pennsylvania newspapers and reflects her distinctive storytelling style rooted in rural life, family heritage, and agricultural tradition. Alongside her writing career, she serves as Executive Director of the Pennsylvania State Council of Farm Organizations, where she supports advocacy, coordination, and development efforts across the agricultural sector. With a professional background spanning business development, leadership, and nonprofit administration, Lizzie has built a career centered on strengthening agricultural communities and amplifying rural voices. She also operates Lizzie’s Ink, LLC, where she provides consulting services and creative development support. Her academic foundation includes a Master of Education in Adult Education and Training and Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from the University of Phoenix and a certificate in Rural Leadership from Penn State Extension Agricultural Sciences, both of which reinforce her focus on education, leadership development, and community empowerment. Lizzie is deeply involved in volunteerism and civic engagement, including leadership roles with farm and community organizations such as the Pennsylvania State Farm Show Foundation, Inc., and the New Carlisle Fair Association. Her work is guided by a commitment to authenticity, integrity, and protecting her creative voice in all published work. She continues to expand her impact through writing, leadership, and agricultural advocacy while remaining dedicated to preserving the values and stories of rural life.
• John Maxwell Certified Leadership Program
• University of Phoenix – Master of Education (Adult Education and Training)
• Penn State University College of Agricultural Sciences – Certificate (Rural Leadership)
• University of Phoenix- Bachelors Business Management
• Omega Graduate Studies
• Influential Women 2026
• Tony Robbins “Firewalker” Award
• Influential Women Network
• Pennsylvania State Grange
• FRIENDS OF THE PENNSYLVANIA FARM SHOW FOUNDATION INC.
• Cumberland Ag Expo / New Carlisle Fair Association
• Participation in women’s leadership and agricultural development initiatives
• Board Member, FRIENDS OF THE PENNSYLVANIA FARM SHOW FOUNDATION INC.
• Vice President & Pageant Coordinator, New Carlisle Fair Association / Cumberland Ag Expo
• Community involvement through Pennsylvania agricultural and farm organizations
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my ability to connect with people and stay grounded in authenticity. I’ve developed a writing voice and leadership style that reflects who I am, and I work hard to protect that authenticity in everything I publish and create. My connection to rural life and agriculture has also shaped my perspective and allowed me to build meaningful relationships within the communities I serve.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Follow your passion and do work you enjoy.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
i share words of wisdom from my mother, Don’t let others define your value, you are in charge of determining it.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge I face is maintaining and protecting my unique writing voice while navigating external opportunities, editorial changes, and publishing platforms. I am very intentional about ensuring that my work remains authentic and aligned with my values.
The greatest opportunity is the ability to expand reach through publications, partnerships, and sponsored storytelling while continuing to elevate rural and agricultural voices.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The most important value to me is protecting my voice and integrity in my work. I place a high priority on authenticity, ensuring that anything I publish reflects my personal style and truth. I also value staying aligned with my beliefs and only pursuing opportunities that reflect my identity and creative direction.