Farm Credit East Employees Give Thanks

As Thanksgiving approaches, I find myself looking back on the past year and appreciating the many reasons to be grateful. Even when challenges arise, it’s important to recognize the good that surrounds us.

This year, I am especially thankful for the dedicated team here at Farm Credit East and the customers we proudly serve. Our nearly 550 employees bring diverse experiences and backgrounds, yet we are united by shared values that make our workplace welcoming and allow us to support our incredible customers together.

With the spirit of gratitude in mind, I wanted to hear what my colleagues are thankful for this season. I reached out to several teammates to gather their reflections on the past year.

Giving Thanks

Autumn Dow: In 2025 I am thankful for my children. All three have overcome personal challenges this year and have come through the other side stronger with an incredible showing of resiliency. I am blessed to be part of their individual journeys.

Jim Park: There is a lot to be thankful for! – Namely, I’m still here on Earth! (There have been a few close calls…)

I had great parents. It was not always easy for them but they were great!  And they both got to be with us well into their 90s! I got to grow up on a farm in a beautiful part of our country and thoroughly enjoyed the outdoors.

Through my Farm Credit work experience, I’ve gotten to meet some great people. I’ve been mentored by folks from the past and have gotten to learn and grow from the younger generation.  All good-hearted and a pleasure! A favorite line is: “We are so fortunate.  We get to work with some of the best people in the world!”  That’s our customers and our coworkers.  Our office is and always has been like second family.  I have my “work sisters” and the guys, and all of us care about each other. Thanks for putting up with the pranks and wild antics all!

And now – I’m getting close to turning the next chapter. I’m thankful that through my life I’ve been able to enjoy a lot of fun activities, have been able to be with family a ton and have been able to have some experiences that others may never have had the opportunity or ability to enjoy! It’s been a good life and I’m thankful to continue in a good way for a long time! Well wishes to all through this thankful time of year!

Victoria Rose: I am thankful for the opportunity to join Farm Credit East. Since beginning in June I've not only learned a lot about myself, but I've learned so much about this company and how Farm Credit truly cares about their employees. They are willing to go above and beyond to provide a healthy, supportive work environment where everyone wants you to succeed.  There are amazing people I’ve been grateful to have met and I'm eager to continue my journey here!

Katie Mest: "This year has been full of ups and downs. I said goodbye to loved ones, welcomed in new babies, learned some very hard yet valuable lessons – but I  think I  am most thankful for having things start to come full circle and to really feel proud of what I have been working so hard on.  I did some home improvement projects, my daughter is thriving and growing, and I was able to travel a bit and make some amazing memories that I wouldn't trade for the world.

Alec Barkett: I'm thankful to work for a lender that values and promotes relationship building. This aspect of our culture gets me excited to build meaningful long term relationships with borrowers and coworkers.

Chandler Goodhue: As a loan officer serving our local ag community, I’m especially thankful for the hardworking farmers, ranchers and ag business owners who inspire me to continually grow and improve, so I can better serve their needs. Every day, I get to partner with people who embody dedication, resilience, and a passion for their families and operations. I’m equally grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with the team at Farm Credit East—working together to provide the financial tools, guidance, and support our customers need to grow and succeed.