Seth Summerside of Keo Fish Farms named to prestigious Presidential Leadership Scholar program

Seth Summerside of Keo Fish Farms, Inc. has been named a 2026 Presidential Leadership Scholar. Summerside is one of 60 scholars who will form this year’s cohort, the 11th annual class.

Over the past decade, the program has brought together nearly 600 established, purpose-driven leaders to collaborate and make a difference in the world as they learn about leadership through the lens of the presidential experiences of George W. Bush, William J. Clinton, George H.W. Bush, and Lyndon B. Johnson.

The class was selected after a rigorous application and review process. Scholars were chosen based on their leadership growth potential and the strength of their personal leadership projects aimed at addressing a critical challenge or need in a community, profession, or organization.

Summerside is the chief executive officer of Keo Fish Farms, a nationally recognized aquaculture operation based in Keo, Ark. As one of the largest producers of hybrid striped bass and sterile triploid grass carp in the United States, Keo Fish Farms plays a critical role in shipping live fish to government agencies and customers around the world.

Under his leadership, the farm has undergone a major transformation, reaching record sales and profits over the past three years. He implemented modern water filtration systems, invested in renewable energy, and expanded the farm’s global reach.

Summerside began his career as a walk-on track athlete at the University of Arkansas and later earned his master’s of business administration degree while running professionally with adidas and Nike.

“Arkansas is an agriculture powerhouse, yet we consistently rank among the most food-insecure states in the country,” he said. “That disconnect isn’t just an economic problem — it’s a community problem. Through the Presidential Leadership Scholars program, I hope to collaborate across agriculture, public health, and policy to pilot practical solutions that strengthen local food systems, improve access, and ensure that the food grown in our state nourishes the people who live here. Good ideas can’t wait for perfect timing, and Arkansas deserves a playbook that works today — not ten years from now.”

Over the course of the program, Scholars will travel to each participating presidential center to learn from former presidents, key former administration officials, business and civic leaders, and leading academics. They will study and put into practice varying approaches to leadership and exchange ideas to help strengthen their impact.

The Presidential Leadership Scholars program is a partnership among the presidential centers of George W. Bush, William J. Clinton, George H.W. Bush, and Lyndon B. Johnson.