EXPERIENCE
President - Farmers Cooperative Company
2006 to present
I have been in the cooperative system all my adult life. After graduating with an accounting degree from college, I worked for an accounting firm that audited cooperatives. My employment in cooperatives began in 1981 and I believe there is no better system than the cooperative way. I have had the opportunity to manage several multi-location diverse cooperatives. We have been through long-term droughts and the challenges that come with adverse weather situations. We have been through successful mergers and unsuccessful merger votes. I have also had the opportunity to serve on various boards and committees at local, state, and national levels, and have seen firsthand how those groups work together from being a member to being the chairman of several groups. As a member of the Land O’Lakes Corporate Board the last nine years, I have experienced firsthand the meshing of ag and dairy needs and expectations and be a part of the growth and financial success that Land O’Lakes has achieved. In representing Region 3, I have also had the opportunity to learn about the diverse geography represented in our Region.
EDUCATION
Baker University
Baldwin City, KS - Accounting
OTHER SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS
2002 to 2007 – Executive Council, Region 3, Nominating Area 2, Manager
2002 to 2008 – Executive Council, Region 3, Executive Committee, Secretary
2002 to 2009 – Executive Council, Region 3, Policies & Resolution Committee, Member
2004 to 2004 – DC Fly-In (P&R DC Fly-IN)
2007 to 2007 – 2008 DC Fly-In (P&R DC Fly-IN)
2009 to 2013 – Executive Council, Region 3, Executive Committee, Chairman
2010 to 2010 – 2011, 2012 DC Fly-In (P&R DC Fly-IN)
2013 to 2014 – Corporate Board, Region 3, Audit Committee, Committee Member & Corporate Board, Region 3, Policy Committee, Committee Member
2013 to 2021 – Corporate Board, Region 3, Manager, Director
2014 to 2014 – DC Fly-In (P&R DC Fly-IN)
2015 to 2017 – Corporate Board, Region 3, Operations Committee, Committee Member & Corporate Board, Region 3, Policy Committee, Chairman
2016 to 2017 – Corporate Board, Region 3, Operations Committee, Committee Member
2017 to 2018 – Corporate Board, Region 3, Policy Committee, Chairman & Corporate Board, Region 3, Operations Committee, Member
2018 to 2019 – Corporate Board, Region 3, Policy Committee, Chairman & Corporate Board, Region 3, Operations Committee, Member
2019 to 2020 – Corporate Board, Region 3, Operations Committee, Member & Corporate Board, Region 3, Policy Committee, Chairman
2020 to 2021 – Corporate Board, Region 3, Policy Committee, Chairman