Nominations Now Open: 2026 Director & Nominating Committee
Farm Credit of Western Arkansas is now accepting nominations for our Board of Directors or Nominating Committee.
As a financial cooperative, Farm Credit is owned by the members it serves. The members are represented by a Board of Directors. Each year, the Association holds an election for at least one Director position. The members are responsible for nominating and electing fellow members to serve in the Director role.
This process ensures that members have a voice in Farm Credit’s strategic direction. Directors meet approximately ten times yearly and are compensated for their time and travel.
Farm Credit of Western Arkansas is a financial cooperative, which means it is owned by the members it serves. These members help guide the organization by electing stockholder representatives to the Board of Directors.
Who Can Nominate?
Current Farm Credit of Western Arkansas members are eligible to nominate themselves or another Farm Credit member for a Director or Nominating Committee position. For Director positions, nominations may also be submitted from other sources. The Nominating Committee will select director candidates to be placed on the ballot for each position up for election this year.
2026 Director Positions
In 2026, all areas have an open position for nomination. The Nominating Committee is responsible for selecting candidates to be placed on the election ballot. After the Annual Meeting on August 20, 2026, ballots will be mailed to voting stockholders so they can cast their votes.
How Is the Board Structured?
Farm Credit of Western Arkansas has 11 Board members:
- 9 Directors—Elected by members through the voting process
- 2 Outside Directors—Non-members appointed by the Board of Directors
Board members serve four-year terms. According to the Association's bylaws, at least 60% of Directors must be elected by stockholders. Additionally, regulations require that at least two Board members come from outside the membership.
This nomination and election process is key to ensuring Farm Credit remains led by those who best understand and represent its members.
If you're eligible, consider getting involved in shaping the future of Farm Credit by nominating a candidate using the form below, contacting a Nominating Committee Member, or voting in the upcoming election!
2026 Nominating Committee Members & Alternates:
Nominating Committee Members:
- Area 1A: Bradley K. Woodward, Washington County
- Area 1B: Jason W. Thompson, Sebastian County
- Area 1C: Kevin Hightower, Crawford County
- Area 2A: Robert W. Caldwell, Yell County
- Area 2B: Ronnie R. Whitley, Jr., Logan County
- Area 2C: Troy L. Weatherley, Faulkner County
- Area 3A: Melanie S. Glass, Lafayette County
- Area 3B: Judd Milam, Nevada County
- Area 3C: Suzanne L. Watkins, Hempstead County
Nominating Committee Alternates:
- Area 1A: Chad E.Amos, Benton County
- Area 1B: Nathaniel W. Sterling, Sebastian County
- Area 1C: Michelle Pass, Sebastian County
- Area 2A: Ernest “EJ” J. Neissl, Franklin County
- Area 2B: Wade Wiedower, Faulkner County
- Area 2C: Rodney A. Wiedower, Faulkner County
- Area 3A: Rainna K. Ghormley, Hempstead County
- Area 3B: Jake Cornelius, Nevada County
- Area 3C: N/A
Nominations are due by midnight on May 11, 2026.
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