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Make a difference in Alberta's agriculture industry

It is recognized in Alberta as a fundamental principle and as a matter of public policy that all persons are equal. Diversity and inclusion are valued and supported on the boards of Alberta's public agencies

Role Required
The Minister of Agriculture & Irrigation is seeking applications from individuals interested in serving as a Director on the Board of Directors of Agriculture Financial Services Corporation (AFSC). One position will be filled through this posting. Applicants may also be considered for future vacancies.

Location
AFSC Board meetings are held at the Corporation’s head office in Lacombe, Alberta. Meetings will be held in person and directors may participate via virtual meetings or conference calls.
About the Agency
AFSC provides leading, innovative, client-focused financial and risk-management solutions to grow agriculture in Alberta. AFSC is a provincial Crown corporation that began by providing hail insurance to Alberta farmers more than 80 years ago, and it has grown into a diverse corporation dedicated to building relationships with its clients to help manage their risks within the agriculture industry. It now supports Alberta’s farmers with crop and livestock price insurance, farm loans, commercial loans, and farm income disaster assistance.

AFSC’s products and services address gaps in the marketplace where similar products are not consistently and reliably available from other sources. AFSC works with agricultural producers, agribusinesses, and rural businesses to support and advance agricultural development, creating new opportunities for businesses and improving the quality of life for rural Albertans.

AFSC operates as a provincial Crown corporation under the authority of the Agriculture Financial Services Act and the Agriculture Financial Services Regulation. AFSC functions as a service delivery agency for public policy decided by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Economic Development.

The AFSC Board of Directors provides leadership and direction to AFSC, overseeing management and performance.

Role Description
The Board of Directors plays an important role in ensuring AFSC’s accountability to the Minister of Agriculture & Irrigation. In their governance role, Board Members regularly review the strategic direction for the organization and ensure management is accountable for completing agreed upon strategic initiatives.

Using their diverse areas of expertise, the Board of Directors ensures that AFSC remains true to its mandate, and that the Alberta agricultural industry is well supported by the services delivered by AFSC. The Board of Directors will operate in a manner that is consistent with the Agriculture Financial Services Act, the Agriculture Financial Services Regulation, the Mandate and Roles Document between AFSC and the Minister of Agriculture & Irrigation, and corporate governance principles.

Board members serve three-year terms and are eligible for reappointment.

Skills and Experience Required

  • Members of AFSC are required to have prior Board experience with a for-profit entity, large public committee, Crown corporation, or major organization with a governance or advisory board. An ICD.D designation or similar, would be considered an asset.
  • Familiarity with agriculture in Alberta, issues affecting agriculture, and the role agriculture plays in rural development are essential.
  • A proven track record of success in an agricultural operation, value-added industry, food processing, or commercial enterprise would be considered an asset.
  • Knowledge of Alberta’s economy, geography and business community and the ability to analyze situations, issues, and solutions from a strategic perspective are critical for success in this role.
  • Members with prior experience at a Canadian bank, regional financial institution, or insurance company, or are recognized as a subject matter expert in a related industry such as insurance, financial services, risk management, agribusiness, food-processing, information technology (cybersecurity/cloud computing) or manufacturing are preferred.
  • A related post-secondary education is an asset.
  • Previous experience with adjudicative or quasi-judicial hearings or tribunals, or a general understanding of administrative law, would be considered an asset.
  • The ideal candidates will have a track record of exercising sound and consistent judgment and demonstrated expertise in managing complex issues with integrity and fairness.
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