A cooperative is special because it is owned and guided by its members, meaning the people who use and rely on the association have a direct voice in its direction, leadership, and long-term success.

In GreenStone’s case, members help shape the organization through board service, committee involvement, and shared responsibility for keeping the cooperative financially strong, responsive, and focused on agriculture and rural communities. The cooperative model creates a strong connection between leadership and the people it serves, allowing decisions to be grounded in real member needs, practical experience, and a commitment to long-term value.

In order to maintain this, the cooperative needs engaged members. Here, three Board Directors share their perspective on why being involved is important, how it benefits the cooperative, and what their personal experience has been serving as a Board member.  

Bruce Lewis

 

Being involved in GreenStone is very important to me. By being a part of a cooperative, we all have a responsibility to help ensure the future viability of our organization.

As a nominating committee member, you have the ability to interview the candidates for Board positions, which also gives you insight into the Board function. As a Board member, you help set the direction of the business with policies, gain many additional insights within our business, and work with many of our great teammates running the day-to-day operations. 

We have many great individuals serving as Board members with a diverse background of knowledge from different segments of agriculture all working together for the common good of GreenStone. The meeting agendas are full, concise, and respectful of time management. 

My involvement in GreenStone has been a great experience in my life advancing my knowledge and working with many great people. I would encourage others to consider involvement in GreenStone to help guide our organization into the future. 

Troy Sellen

 

Serving on the GreenStone Board of Directors is a fantastic opportunity to help shape the future of agriculture and rural communities. Directors help keep GreenStone financially strong, member-focused, and prepared to meet the changing needs of farmers, agribusinesses, and rural homeowners. As our coop currently manages over $16 billion in loans, this is no small responsibility!

For those dedicated to agriculture and committed to serving fellow members, board service is a meaningful way to give back to a cooperative whose purpose is to provide the financial support members need to achieve their goals. Board service is also a valuable leadership and personal development opportunity. It has given me insight into agricultural finance, governance, risk management, and strategic planning while working with a diverse group of fellow directors. Through educational opportunities and engagement with GreenStone’s executive team, we have the opportunity to deepen our understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing agriculture today while also drawing upon our own real-world experiences to provide input. This knowledge benefits GreenStone and can strengthen your own businesses and leadership skills at the same time. 

Most importantly, serving on the board gives you and your fellow members a direct voice in the direction of the cooperative you own. GreenStone’s director-owners help ensure the cooperative remains responsive to its members and focused on long-term value. By bringing your experience, perspective, and commitment to the boardroom, you can help preserve a strong Farm Credit System for future generations of farmers and rural residents. If you want to make an impact beyond your own operation, board service is a rewarding and mutually beneficial way to be involved in your community.

Dale Wagner

 

Serving as a director is both a responsibility and a privilege. It’s a chance to represent fellow members while helping guide where the organization is headed. To me, it really comes down to listening, sharing perspectives, and making sure decisions support the long-term success of both the membership and GreenStone.

I remember early on sitting in a boardroom having a discussion about strategic planning. Listening to the different viewpoints around the table—and realizing how those conversations turn into real decisions for our members—really stuck with me. It made me appreciate how important it is for every voice to be heard and thoughtfully considered.

That’s really why serving as a director matters. A strong, engaged board helps keep the organization grounded and accountable, while making sure member needs stay front and center. Since directors come from the membership, they bring real-life experience and a practical understanding of the challenges and opportunities members face every day.

That member connection is what makes our board work so well. There’s a level of trust and authenticity that comes from knowing the people making decisions truly understand the business and the people behind it.

Getting involved—whether on the board or the nominating committee—is a great way to give back while also learning and growing. For me, it started with a simple desire to get more involved and contribute where I could. I’d encourage others to consider doing the same. Your perspective matters, and stepping forward is a great way to make a meaningful impact.

 

To view the article in the online 2026 Summer Partners Magazine, click here.