Board Chair
Each year, there is an election process to select members for Farm Credit East's Board of Directors. The Farm Credit East election process includes a regional nominating committee to ensure sound representation throughout our 20-office area. Each spring, Farm Credit East stockholders vote for all open board positions.
Click here to view the Charter for the Farm Credit East Board of Directors.
Laurie K. Griffen
Board Chair
Laurie K. Griffen and her husband Steve are co-owner-operators of Saratoga Sod Farm, Inc., a 600-acre turfgrass farm in Stillwater, N.Y. In addition, Saratoga Sod provides installation services as well as sales of seed and fertilizer to assist its customer across the Northeast. Saratoga Sod also grows roughly 500 acres of soybeans, corn and barley as part of the crop rotation.
Laurie was elected to the board in 2011. Her current term expiring in 2023. Laurie also serves on the Town of Saratoga Planning Board, Schuyler Park Committee (Co-chair) and the NY Farm Bureau Labor Committee.
Laurie K. Griffen and her husband Steve are co-owner-operators of Saratoga Sod Farm, Inc., a 600-acre turfgrass farm in Stillwater, N.Y. In addition, Saratoga Sod provides installation services as well as sales of seed and fertilizer to assist its customer across the Northeast. Saratoga Sod also grows roughly 500 acres of soybeans, corn and barley as part of the crop rotation.
Laurie was elected to the board in 2011. Her current term expiring in 2023. Laurie also serves on the Town of Saratoga Planning Board, Schuyler Park Committee (Co-chair) and the NY Farm Bureau Labor Committee.
Board Vice Chair, Compensation Committee Chair
John P. Knopf
Board Vice Chair, Compensation Committee Chair
John P. Knopf is the principal owner of Fa-Ba Farms, LLC in Canandaigua, N.Y. Fa-Ba Farms is a dairy business consisting of 500 milking cows, 440 replacements and 850 acres of land devoted to forage production.
John was first elected to the board in 2013, with his current term expiring in 2021. John is also a member of the Town of Canandaigua Board of Assessment Review and has prior service with the Soil and Water Conservation District Northern Watershed Committee and Ontario County Farm Bureau.
John P. Knopf is the principal owner of Fa-Ba Farms, LLC in Canandaigua, N.Y. Fa-Ba Farms is a dairy business consisting of 500 milking cows, 440 replacements and 850 acres of land devoted to forage production.
John was first elected to the board in 2013, with his current term expiring in 2021. John is also a member of the Town of Canandaigua Board of Assessment Review and has prior service with the Soil and Water Conservation District Northern Watershed Committee and Ontario County Farm Bureau.
Member Of:
Kurt W. Alstede
Kurt W. Alstede is founder, owner and general manager of Alstede Farms, LLC, a 600-acre vertically integrated fruit and vegetable farm located in Chester, N.J. The farm includes tree and small fruit, vegetables, ornamentals, a year-round store, processing, Pick-Your-Own, and agritourism.
Kurt was elected director in 2019 to a term expiring in 2023. He is also director of his County Tourism Bureau, vice chair of the New Jersey Highlands Council Regional Planning Authority, and active in the New Jersey Farm Bureau and the Morris County Board of Agriculture. Additionally, Kurt is secretary of the Chester Fireman's Relief Association and agricultural liaison for the New Jersey Agricultural Society.
Kurt W. Alstede is founder, owner and general manager of Alstede Farms, LLC, a 600-acre vertically integrated fruit and vegetable farm located in Chester, N.J. The farm includes tree and small fruit, vegetables, ornamentals, a year-round store, processing, Pick-Your-Own, and agritourism.
Kurt was elected director in 2019 to a term expiring in 2023. He is also director of his County Tourism Bureau, vice chair of the New Jersey Highlands Council Regional Planning Authority, and active in the New Jersey Farm Bureau and the Morris County Board of Agriculture. Additionally, Kurt is secretary of the Chester Fireman's Relief Association and agricultural liaison for the New Jersey Agricultural Society.
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Michael N. Brooks
Michael N. Brooks, of Elmer, N.J., was first elected to the Farm Credit East Board in 2014, with his current term expiring in 2022.
In partnership with his parents, William and Diane Brooks, he owns Dusty Lane Farms, LLC . Dusty Lane Farms is a diverse, 1,500-acre irrigated operation producing white potatoes, tomatoes, spinach, sweet corn, corn and soybeans. Mike is a member of United States Potato Board, serves on the executive committee of the Salem Country Board of Agriculture and is the vice president of the New Jersey White Potato Association.
Michael N. Brooks, of Elmer, N.J., was first elected to the Farm Credit East Board in 2014, with his current term expiring in 2022.
In partnership with his parents, William and Diane Brooks, he owns Dusty Lane Farms, LLC . Dusty Lane Farms is a diverse, 1,500-acre irrigated operation producing white potatoes, tomatoes, spinach, sweet corn, corn and soybeans. Mike is a member of United States Potato Board, serves on the executive committee of the Salem Country Board of Agriculture and is the vice president of the New Jersey White Potato Association.
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Barry A. Buck
Barry Buck, of Mapleton, ME, has been involved in the Northern Maine potato industry for more than 25 years. He also manages cropland in Aroostook County.
He was elected director in 2020 to a term expiring in 2024. Additionally, Barry serves as chair of the Mapleton, Maine town board and is a former president of the Central Aroostook Young Farmers Association.
Barry Buck, of Mapleton, ME, has been involved in the Northern Maine potato industry for more than 25 years. He also manages cropland in Aroostook County.
He was elected director in 2020 to a term expiring in 2024. Additionally, Barry serves as chair of the Mapleton, Maine town board and is a former president of the Central Aroostook Young Farmers Association.
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Peter R. Call
Peter Call, of Batavia, N.Y., was elected to the board in 2015. His current term expires in 2023.
Peter is president of My-T Acres, Inc., an 8,500-acre vegetable and grain operation. More than 5,000 of those acres are dedicated to the production of snap beans, potatoes, red beets, carrots, peas, sweet corn, spinach and cabbage. Peter is on the Seneca Foods Board of Directors, the Farm Fresh First Board and the Genesee Community College Board of Trustees.
Peter Call, of Batavia, N.Y., was elected to the board in 2015. His current term expires in 2023.
Peter is president of My-T Acres, Inc., an 8,500-acre vegetable and grain operation. More than 5,000 of those acres are dedicated to the production of snap beans, potatoes, red beets, carrots, peas, sweet corn, spinach and cabbage. Peter is on the Seneca Foods Board of Directors, the Farm Fresh First Board and the Genesee Community College Board of Trustees.
Audit Committee Chair
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Tim C. Chan
Audit Committee Chair
Tim Chan, of Claremont, NH, was appointed as an outside director in 2015 to a term expiring in 2023.
Tim was the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Ocean Spray Cranberries, Inc., North America’s leading producer of canned and bottled juices and juice drinks. Prior to Ocean Spray, he served as Vice President of Finance for Campbell Soup Company and Vice President and Corporate Controller of The Pillsbury Company and ALPO Pet Foods.
Tim Chan, of Claremont, NH, was appointed as an outside director in 2015 to a term expiring in 2023.
Tim was the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Ocean Spray Cranberries, Inc., North America’s leading producer of canned and bottled juices and juice drinks. Prior to Ocean Spray, he served as Vice President of Finance for Campbell Soup Company and Vice President and Corporate Controller of The Pillsbury Company and ALPO Pet Foods.
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Skip Hardie
Skip Hardie, of Lansing, N.Y., was first elected to the board in 2016 with his current term expiring in 2024.
Skip is a partner of Walnut Ridge Dairy, LLC, along with Steve Palladino, John Fleming and Keith Chapin. The farm milks 1,600 cows and operates 2,200 acres. Skip serves on the U.S. Dairy Export Council, the American Dairy Association board and the Dairy Management Inc. board. In the past, Skip has also served on the NYS Dairy Promotion Advisory board, and the boards of Dairylea and Dairy Farmers of America.
Skip Hardie, of Lansing, N.Y., was first elected to the board in 2016 with his current term expiring in 2024.
Skip is a partner of Walnut Ridge Dairy, LLC, along with Steve Palladino, John Fleming and Keith Chapin. The farm milks 1,600 cows and operates 2,200 acres. Skip serves on the U.S. Dairy Export Council, the American Dairy Association board and the Dairy Management Inc. board. In the past, Skip has also served on the NYS Dairy Promotion Advisory board, and the boards of Dairylea and Dairy Farmers of America.
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Governance Committee Chair
Member Of:
Philip Jamie Jones
Governance Committee Chair
Philip "Jamie" Jones, of Shelton, Conn., was elected director in 2018 to a term expiring in 2022.
Jamie is co-owner and managing member of Jones Family Farms, LLC, a 400-acre retail farm growing strawberries, blueberries, pumpkins and Christmas trees. He is also owner of Jones Family Farms Winery, LLC, a 5,000 case vineyard and winery.
Philip "Jamie" Jones, of Shelton, Conn., was elected director in 2018 to a term expiring in 2022.
Jamie is co-owner and managing member of Jones Family Farms, LLC, a 400-acre retail farm growing strawberries, blueberries, pumpkins and Christmas trees. He is also owner of Jones Family Farms Winery, LLC, a 5,000 case vineyard and winery.
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Business Risk Committee Chair
Member Of:
LouAnne F. King
Business Risk Committee Chair
LouAnne King, of Madrid, N.Y., was elected to the board in 2017, with her current term expiring in 2021.
LouAnne is an owner of Mapleview Dairy LLC, along with her brother, David Fisher, John Kingston, and her two nephews, Jordan and Jacob Fisher. The family-owned 2,800 cow dairy has 2,500 replacement heifers and approximately 4,600 cropped acres. LouAnne serves as office manager and CFO, while providing human resource functions, management support and mentoring the next generation of managers. LouAnne is a member of the NYS Dairy Promotion Advisory Board; Cornell University Department of Animal Science Advisory Board; Pro-Dairy Advisory Board; the Northeast Agricultural Foundation Board; the St. Lawrence County Cornell Cooperative Extension Farm Profit Team; and chairs the St. Lawrence Country Dairy Princess Committee.
LouAnne King, of Madrid, N.Y., was elected to the board in 2017, with her current term expiring in 2021.
LouAnne is an owner of Mapleview Dairy LLC, along with her brother, David Fisher, John Kingston, and her two nephews, Jordan and Jacob Fisher. The family-owned 2,800 cow dairy has 2,500 replacement heifers and approximately 4,600 cropped acres. LouAnne serves as office manager and CFO, while providing human resource functions, management support and mentoring the next generation of managers. LouAnne is a member of the NYS Dairy Promotion Advisory Board; Cornell University Department of Animal Science Advisory Board; Pro-Dairy Advisory Board; the Northeast Agricultural Foundation Board; the St. Lawrence County Cornell Cooperative Extension Farm Profit Team; and chairs the St. Lawrence Country Dairy Princess Committee.
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Jay McWatters
Jay McWatters, of Buffalo, NY, was appointed as an outside director in 2021 to a term expiring in 2025.
Jay is a professor of practice in accounting at the Wehle School of Business at Canisius College in Buffalo, NY. Previously, he was an assurance partner at Dopkins & Company, LLP and KPMG LLP where he served multiple cooperative clients. He has served various cooperative organizations including the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, National Society for Accountants and Cooperatives, and the Northeast Cooperative Council. He has also served on the board of directors of Catholic Health System, United Way of Buffalo and Erie County, Shea’s Performing Arts Center, and Canisius College Council on Accountancy. Jay is a certified public accountant.
Jay McWatters, of Buffalo, NY, was appointed as an outside director in 2021 to a term expiring in 2025.
Jay is a professor of practice in accounting at the Wehle School of Business at Canisius College in Buffalo, NY. Previously, he was an assurance partner at Dopkins & Company, LLP and KPMG LLP where he served multiple cooperative clients. He has served various cooperative organizations including the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, National Society for Accountants and Cooperatives, and the Northeast Cooperative Council. He has also served on the board of directors of Catholic Health System, United Way of Buffalo and Erie County, Shea’s Performing Arts Center, and Canisius College Council on Accountancy. Jay is a certified public accountant.
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James A. Robbins II
James A. Robbins II, of Searsmont, Maine, is president of Robbins Lumber, Inc., a fully integrated log yard, sawmill, dry kilns and planer mill that produces Eastern White Pine. Robbins Lumber owns and manages 27,000 acres of timberland. Additionally, Jim is the manager of Georges River Energy, LLC, a biomass power plant that burns wood waste in order to produce electrical power.
Jim was elected director in 2019 to a term expiring in 2023. He is also member of the Northeast Lumber Manufacturers Association (NELMA). Previously, he was chair of Maine’s SFI Implementation Committee and past president of the Maine Wood Products Association.
James A. Robbins II, of Searsmont, Maine, is president of Robbins Lumber, Inc., a fully integrated log yard, sawmill, dry kilns and planer mill that produces Eastern White Pine. Robbins Lumber owns and manages 27,000 acres of timberland. Additionally, Jim is the manager of Georges River Energy, LLC, a biomass power plant that burns wood waste in order to produce electrical power.
Jim was elected director in 2019 to a term expiring in 2023. He is also member of the Northeast Lumber Manufacturers Association (NELMA). Previously, he was chair of Maine’s SFI Implementation Committee and past president of the Maine Wood Products Association.
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Lisa P. Sellew
Lisa P. Sellew and her family own Prides Corner Farms, in Lebanon, Conn., a wholesale nursery growing more than 2,200 varieties of nursery stock, perennials, roses, trees, herbs and vegetables that has been in business for more than 30 years. Prides Corner supplies plants throughout the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. Prides Corner also grows and supplies prevegetated green roof product called LiveRoof®.
Lisa was first elected to the board in 2013, with her current term expiring in 2021.
Lisa P. Sellew and her family own Prides Corner Farms, in Lebanon, Conn., a wholesale nursery growing more than 2,200 varieties of nursery stock, perennials, roses, trees, herbs and vegetables that has been in business for more than 30 years. Prides Corner supplies plants throughout the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. Prides Corner also grows and supplies prevegetated green roof product called LiveRoof®.
Lisa was first elected to the board in 2013, with her current term expiring in 2021.
Member Of:
Douglas W. Shelmidine
Douglas W. Shelmidine, of Adams, N.Y., owns Sheland Farms, a multi-generational family business that Doug runs in partnership with his father, Donald, brother, Todd, and sons, Erik and Devon. The family farms 1,800 acres and milks 980 cows. As the farm’s general manager and chief financial officer, Doug is responsible for the financial and overall management of the business.
Doug was first elected to the board in 2012 with his current term expiring in 2024.
Douglas W. Shelmidine, of Adams, N.Y., owns Sheland Farms, a multi-generational family business that Doug runs in partnership with his father, Donald, brother, Todd, and sons, Erik and Devon. The family farms 1,800 acres and milks 980 cows. As the farm’s general manager and chief financial officer, Doug is responsible for the financial and overall management of the business.
Doug was first elected to the board in 2012 with his current term expiring in 2024.
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Peter H. Triandafillou
Peter H. Triandafillou was appointed to the Farm Credit East Board, as its forestry expert, in 2016. His current term expires in 2022.
Peter is vice president of woodlands for Huber Resources Corp, a timber management firm managing 600,000 acres in seven states. Peter is also past president and current member of The Maine Forest Products Council, past chair and current member of the Society of American Foresters (Maine division), past president and current member of the North Maine Woods Corporation and past chair of the Advisory Committee of the Cooperative Forestry Research Unit.
Peter H. Triandafillou was appointed to the Farm Credit East Board, as its forestry expert, in 2016. His current term expires in 2022.
Peter is vice president of woodlands for Huber Resources Corp, a timber management firm managing 600,000 acres in seven states. Peter is also past president and current member of The Maine Forest Products Council, past chair and current member of the Society of American Foresters (Maine division), past president and current member of the North Maine Woods Corporation and past chair of the Advisory Committee of the Cooperative Forestry Research Unit.
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Terry R. Zittel
Terry R. Zittel, of Eden, N.Y., was elected as a director in 2018, to a term expiring in 2022.
Terry is corporate secretary and business manager of Amos Zittel & Sons, Inc., a wholesale vegetable, flower and retail market business growing 300 acres of fresh market vegetables, including sweet corn, peppers, lettuce, cabbage, broccoli, brussel sprouts and squash, and a certified organic crop of mini cukes and hot peppers. They also have three acres of greenhouse growing two million rooted liners of 950 vegetative annual varieties for Ball Seed®, and wholesale finished spring pots.
Terry R. Zittel, of Eden, N.Y., was elected as a director in 2018, to a term expiring in 2022.
Terry is corporate secretary and business manager of Amos Zittel & Sons, Inc., a wholesale vegetable, flower and retail market business growing 300 acres of fresh market vegetables, including sweet corn, peppers, lettuce, cabbage, broccoli, brussel sprouts and squash, and a certified organic crop of mini cukes and hot peppers. They also have three acres of greenhouse growing two million rooted liners of 950 vegetative annual varieties for Ball Seed®, and wholesale finished spring pots.
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