Description/Job Summary
We have an extraordinary opportunity at High Plains Farm Credit! As an Appointed Outside Director for High Plains Farm Credit you would be instrumental in the Association’s success. High Plains Farm Credit is part of the national Farm Credit System and serves over 4,200 stockholders and a 26-county territory in Kansas.
Your expertise as an Appointed Outside Director will have a direct impact on feeding, clothing, and fueling America. We will rely on you to establish and maintain governance principles which will sustain our vision to be the preferred source of agricultural financing.
Corporate Profile
The High Plains Farm Credit is a cooperatively owned wholesale agricultural lending Association with assets of over $2.0 billion. As part of the nationwide Farm Credit System, established by Congress in 1916, the Association provides funding to farmers and ranchers in a 26-county territory in Kansas.
The Association’s net income in 2024 was over $42 million with outstanding credit quality. Moreover, the Association substantially exceeds the capital requirements under the regulations promulgated by the Farm Credit Administration. Additional information can be found at HighPlainsFarmCredit.com.
Board Composition
High Plains Farm Credit is governed by an 11-member elected board of directors, with two appointed outside directors. Appointed outside directors must have no affiliation with any Farm Credit System institution, whether as a director, employee, stockholder, or agent. By regulation, all Association directors are prohibited from being employees of the Association or any System Association simultaneously or within one year prior to becoming a director. The board is currently seeking candidates to appoint for an Appointed Outside Director position.
The Appointed Outside Director Position
Members of the High Plains Farm Credit Board of Directors are responsible for establishing and carrying out policies and strategic objectives that enable the institution to fulfill its mission and goals for the benefit of its member-borrowers. The board meets monthly to set policies which govern day-to-day operations for Association staff, assess Association performance levels, and establish strategic direction. The Appointed Outside Director is appointed by the High Plains Farm Credit board of directors, and has a four-year term, with no age restrictions, and no limit on the number of terms to which the Appointed Outside Director can be reappointed.
Time Requirements
The board normally meets monthly at multiple locations both in and out of our territory. The average number of days served by Association directors during 2024, including travel time and committee assignments, was sixteen. Preparation time and occasional video conference calls can add to your commitment.
Qualifications
The Association board of directors has identified the following as desirable qualifications for directors:
Financial Expertise – At least one Association director must be a financial expert, meaning the individual is generally recognized in the business community as having education or experience in accounting, internal accounting controls, or preparing or reviewing financial statements for financial institutions or large corporations consistent with the breadth and complexity of issues raised by the Association’s financial statements. While not required, a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation is preferred and considered beneficial for this role.
Financial Knowledge – All directors must be knowledgeable in at least one of the following areas: public and corporate finance; financial reporting and disclosure; or accounting procedures by completion of college courses in finance or accounting, or the equivalent, or by experience in the operation of a personal business, System institution, a financial institution or other business enterprise.
Information Technology – The ideal candidate would have a foundational understanding of technology and its role in business operations.
Independence – All directors must be free from any relationship that would interfere with the exercise of independent judgment, such as having a business relationship with the Association, or immediate family ties to members of the board of directors or Association management.
Diversity – Directors should have personal characteristics, backgrounds and experience which provide insight into the needs of all markets in the Association’s territory.
Commitment – All directors should have the ability to devote adequate time and attention to the fulfillment of Association board responsibilities.
Experience – The following types of experience may be positive considerations: service as a director/officer of a financial institution, agricultural or agribusiness enterprise with responsibility for finance, operations, marketing, or information technology; legislative or governmental experience related to agriculture, economics or banking; and experience in academia related to agriculture, economics, banking, finance, accounting, or marketing.
Other Attributes – Directors should have personal attributes which contribute to the board’s effective operation, including honesty, integrity, leadership, communication skills, and willingness to participate in frank and open discussion.
Interested candidates should send your resume and a letter of introduction to: Director@HighPlainsFarmCredit.com.
High Plains Farm Credit is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for appointment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, national origin, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or genetic information.
