It’s nearly election time for GreenStone for our nominating committee and board directors, and we thought now would be a great time for a few of our directors to share their perspective on how they became involved on the governance side of the cooperative!
Read on to learn three individual stories – each unique to them – and why they encourage all members to consider getting involved in GreenStone’s governance. Those interested in learning about GreenStone board of directors and nominating committee can read more on page 16, or submit interest through a profile form on our website!
Dave McConnachie
I became interested in Farm Credit probably the same way most of the board of directors did, by acquiring loans within the Farm Credit System and wondering how it all worked. I have been on and off GreenStone’s board three times, spanning the mergers to how we know GreenStone today.
There have been a lot of developments over the years, and as a director, what I have found surprising is the speed of which GreenStone has been able to grow through mergers, capital markets, a lot of IT development, crop insurance, partnerships, participation loans with other associations, and more.
One of the benefits of being on the board is that directors participate in National Farm Credit Association meetings where we gather with directors from all the other states across our country. I have realized from my conversations with other directors, that our diverse agriculture in our territory makes this the best place to farm in America.
My time on as a director on GreenStone's board has been a very satisfying and rewarding experience. Taking into consideration my time on the board prior to the mergers and through today, I have had the opportunity to work with probably 60 different directors. It's taken all of us working together to accomplish everything along the path to where GreenStone finds itself today. Working together to build good things is an American tradition, and I would encourage anyone to step up to become a director on the board of GreenStone Farm Credit Services. Anyone who wants to become a director should not think it’s impossible, because we all thought that before being elected.
GreenStone is a great advocate for Michigan and Wisconsin agriculture, and partners with others to advance economic opportunities for members. Between the GreenStone’s products and services for members and its political action committee, GreenStone stays involved and our whole territory continually enjoys the positive results.
Marilyn L. Thelen
In early 2022 I was putting plans in place to retire from my longtime career with MSU Extension. I hadn’t thought much about what 2023 would bring.
Word had gotten out that I was going to retire and one day my husband Lee mentioned to me that there was going to be an opening in our district on the GreenStone board of directors. He asked if I had ever considered serving on a board. In my career I had worked with many boards, but had not served on many. However, this got me thinking about the possibilities. I knew GreenStone from the farm side.
I worked with the local GreenStone financial services officers to plan and conduct educational programs, but I knew little about the business side of GreenStone.
The wheels were in motion and I began talking with past directors about the position. The responses piqued my interest, so I submitted an application and was interviewed and appointed to the board mid-2022 to finish out a vacant term.
I enjoy learning new things and the directorship did not disappoint. The view of lending from the lenders side is interesting, involved and a very important piece in getting the funds to farmers. The path money takes before making it to the farm and the measures that are put in place to reduce risk are two things that have intrigued me. I’m sure I have a lot more to learn, but at this point I am just excited to be a part of the organization and have the opportunity to keep learning!
Jed Welder
For my family’s farm, GreenStone was something that just worked, like a 4020 John Deere that always started when you needed it. We never gave any thought to the governance of the organization.
However, in 2016 I was asked to be one of several farmers that gave testimony to the Senate Agricultural Committee on the importance of the Farm Credit System. This gave me my first glimpse of what it took to make a co-op like ours work and I was impressed with the professionalism and dedication of our employees. A few years later when I was asked to consider running for the board, I was excited by the opportunity to be more directly involved with this great institution.
Within our local agriculture industry, GreenStone seems to be a trusted organization by so many diverse groups, one which puts the needs of farmers ahead of other agendas or political trends. I'm continually challenged to keep up with the incredible group that makes up the executive team and the board of directors. The broader perspective I've gained being a part of this team is a great compliment to the intensely narrow focus that growing crops requires. Being a part of GreenStone is an honor and I recommend all our members consider being more involved at all levels!
To view the spring 2024 issue of Partners magazine in its entirety, click here.
