Young, Beginning, Small, Veteran Board Advisor

The Young, Beginning, Small, Veteran (“YBSV”) Board Advisor role at Farm Credit East is a unique professional development opportunity designed for a YBSV customer while providing the Farm Credit East Board of Directors with insights into YBSV customer perspectives. This role is an excellent opportunity for a YBSV customer to gain valuable experience and contribute to the continuous improvement of Farm Credit East’s cooperative governance.

Applications open December 1 for this advisory role. Applications must be received by December 18.

Young female farmer harvesting vegetables from garden

Qualifications 

  • Must be a YBSV voting customer or an integral part of the farming operation of a current customer. To qualify as YBSV, you must fall within any of the following four categories:
    • Young – 35 years or younger
    • Beginning – 10 years or less of farming experience 
    • Small – annual gross farm income under $350,000 
    • Veteran – those who have served at any time since September 2001
  • Outside knowledge or experience in areas relevant to cooperative governance and the Farm Credit System.
  • A personal career plan that includes leadership.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of financial and credit matters, strategic planning, and risk management.
  • Strong communication and analytical skills.
  • Technologically proficient.
  • The successful candidate will be required to be free from conflicts of interest, must maintain high ethical standards and must act in the best interest of the institution. 

The YBSV Board Advisor will be responsible for the following duties:

  • Mandatory in-person attendance at Farm Credit East board meetings from April 2027 to March 2028 (April 27-28, June 10 (Virtual), July 26-28, August 30-September 1, October 26-27, December 14-15, and late January 2028 dates TBD). While participation in meetings is expected, the advisor role is non-voting.
  • Participate in at least one board committee meeting each quarter. Committee meetings are virtual and typically take place the Thursday prior to the board meeting.
  • Review board materials and participate in board discussions.
  • Provide feedback and insights from a YBSV perspective.
  • At the conclusion of the term, provide a report to the Board on the YBSV Board Advisor experience and suggestions for future advisors.

Please note, the YBSV Board Advisor cannot be considered as a candidate for the 2028 election cycle (even if they resign during the term). They will be eligible to become a candidate in the 2029 election cycle, unless extended for an additional YBSV term. 

Term

The YBSV Board Advisor will be appointed by the board of directors to a term running from April 2027 to March 2028. This will be a non-voting position. The term could extend to another year, decision made by the Board of Directors. If the term is extended and accepted, the YBSV Advisor will not be eligible to be considered as a candidate for 2029.

Compensation

The YBSV Board Advisor will receive a $25,000 retainer plus reasonable expense reimbursement. If a meeting is missed due to unforeseen circumstances, the retainer will be adjusted.

Deadline

Applications open December 1 for this advisory role. Applications must be received by December 18. If advanced, candidates will be contacted to arrange for an interview (Mid-January).