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OTTAWA, ON, Feb. 21, 2025 – Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Lawrence MacAulay has announced the reappointment of Michele Hengen, James Laws, and Govert Verstralen to Farm Credit Canada’s Board of Directors. All three individuals, who have been serving on the Board since 2017, will continue their terms for another four years, effective immediately.
Michele Hengen is a highly experienced consultant with over 25 years in the insurance, investment, and pension sectors. She is a certified Associate Coach and a published author. Before joining People First to serve a wider client base, she also ran her own risk consulting and executive coaching business for five years, offering services to a diverse clientele.
James Laws has more than 40 years of agricultural experience, including senior agribusiness roles across Canada and international work on development projects and private-sector farms. As an Agricultural Consultant, he has worked on projects in Suriname, Senegal, and Tanzania. He also held the position of Executive Director at the Canadian Meat Council (2004–2016) and the Canadian Farm Business Management Council (1999–2003).
Govert Verstralen brings over 45 years of experience in banking, finance, and agribusiness. He held the roles of Principal Officer and President & CEO at Rabobank Canada and was a member of both the North American Compliance Committee and the Operational Risk Management Committee. Additionally, he spent 11 years as a board member of Food Processors of Canada and five years on the Canadian Agri-Food Marketing Council, advising the Ministers of Agriculture and International Trade on strategies for growing Canada’s food industry.
Quotes
“I extend my congratulations to Ms. Hengen, Mr. Laws, and Mr. Verstralen on their reappointment to Farm Credit Canada’s Board of Directors. Since joining the board in 2017, they have consistently shown their strong commitment to supporting farmers, producers, and agribusinesses throughout our nation. I am confident they will continue to make significant contributions in their roles over the coming four years.”
– The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
Quick facts
- Farm Credit Canada (FCC) is Canada’s leading provider of business and financial services to producers, agribusinesses, and agri-food operations. It serves over 103,000 customers through 103 locations across Canada and manages a loan portfolio exceeding $50 billion.
- FCC offers specialized, flexible financing, management software, and information services tailored to support primary producers, farming operations (including family farms), and the broader agriculture and agribusiness sector.
- The Government of Canada is committed to an open, transparent, and merit-based selection process for Governor in Council appointments. These appointees play a vital role in Canada’s democracy by serving on various commissions, boards, Crown corporations, agencies, and tribunals nationwide.
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SOURCE Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada