CALGARY – Agricore United’s board of directors was precise about who it wanted to join the board.
The directors selected Manitoba farmer and former Scotiabank banker, Wayne Harden as a candidate who could bring financial expertise to the table.
But AU delegates had other ideas.
Those at AU’s annual meeting voted to return for another term directors Paul Orsak of Binscarth, Man., Ernie Sirski of Dauphin, Man., and Jim Wilson of Darlingford, Man.
Maurice Lemay of Tangent, Alta., was selected by acclamation because of AU’s requirement to have a director from the Peace River area of Alberta or British Columbia.
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Delegate rejection of the directors’ preferred candidate came as a shock to recruitment director and AU board member Alanna Koch.
She said she thought it was clear to delegates that a member with strong financial experience would strengthen the board.
“I’m surprised because I thought we communicated very clearly that the board was looking for constant self improvement and to ensure that we do have the best governance system in place.
“We felt it was a way to improve on that. I’m surprised and disappointed,” said Koch, who also stated that she believed the successful candidates do have solid qualifications.
A nominating and governance committee had identified certain skills like accounting and finance, human resources, international trade and risk management, which would add strength to the board.
“Maybe it was perceived to be ‘don’t tell us how to vote’, “said Harden, of Stony Mountain, Man.
“It was a big change. Sometimes change is slow to happen. Maybe in the future there will be more receptivity by delegates to that process and the nominations committee goes through.
“This year they weren’t ready for that change.”
AU’s 15 member board consists of 12 farmers nominated and elected by farmers and three outside directors.
