Vicki Chats: Jeff Margrett – Regional Director of FIRST® Robotics Competitions

Ladies and gentlemen: meet Jeff Margrett, Regional Director of FIRST® Robotics Competitions across the Midwest! Jeff is on a mission to bring high-tech robotics to high school students throughout the region—rallying schools, securing funding, and inspiring the next generation of engineers, innovators, and problem-solvers. He’s all about giving students the tools to build, compete, and thrive in STEM.

And yes—he’s also an author! With a background in comedy, radio, and marketing, Jeff brings creativity, storytelling, and big energy to everything he does.

Jeff joins us as we gear up for the 2026 FIRST Robotics Competition Iowa Regional, happening March 26–28 at both the McLeod Center and the UNI Dome on the University of Northern Iowa campus in Cedar Falls. This premier STEM event will welcome 54 high school robotics teams from seven states, competing in what’s widely considered the highest level of high school robotics competition in the U.S.—and the world.

Please welcome back to the show, Jeff Margrett!