Seeking applications for AFSC’s board of directors

Agriculture Financial Services Corporation (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.

The Board of Directors plays an important role in ensuring AFSC’s accountability to the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Economic Development. 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.

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.

Remuneration and Time Commitment

The Chair and Director appointments are made by the Minister, and are for a fixed term of up to three years, with the potential for reappointment for additional terms. The time commitment is anticipated to be approximately one full day, and two half days, per quarter (dependent on committee involvement).

Members of the Board of Directors are compensated only for time spent on the business of the Board at the rate specified in Schedule 1, Part A of the Committee Remuneration Order (OC466/2007), and effective April 1, 2009.

Meetings are held at the head office in Lacombe. Meetings will be held in person when safe to do so, and directors may participate via virtual meetings or conference calls occasionally.

To learn more about the position or to apply, please see the full posting at Recruitment posting: Agriculture Financial Services Corporation