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Directors of Farm Credit boards face complex challenges—from mergers and technology decisions to economic, commodity, political and global volatility. The Premier Governance Series (PGS) helps heighten board performance and individual competence by connecting directors with subject matter experts and peers sharing their perspective.

PGS instructors are carefully chosen for their ability to provide fresh information and thinking. Further, FCCS educates every instructor on Farm Credit System nuances and the specific PGS group’s needs.

For more information on the Advanced/Premier Governance Series or any of the FCCS Governance Programs and Services, contact Leslie Hilton, VP, Board Governance and Development.

The model:

CONVENE A five-member Steering Committee is selected from the PGS Membership Group. This committee provides guidance to the FCCS PGS team on the group’s priorities and serves as the voice of the PGS Membership Group.

COMMIT Participants in the PGS group agree to an initial three-year commitment. This secures funding and ensures all directors are able to complete the program.

CUSTOMIZE PGS is built on five certification modules, essential to governance excellence. Once the group determines module timing and sequence, we customize content—and develop new modules—to meet group-identified needs and challenges.

Addressing Areas Essential to Excellence

CERTIFICATION MODULES

Six certification modules provide PGS participants a solid foundation for leadership decision-making. Content can be further customized to meet the specific needs of the group.

Financial Markets Overview

This 2-day module deepens understanding of board fiduciary responsibilities by exploring capital/debt markets, the market impact on geo-political situations and global economics, and the parameters/advantages of Government-Sponsored Enterprise status.

Technology Disruption & Cyber-Risk: The Board's Role

In response to increasing concerns in the boardroom regarding cybersecurity and digital competencies, this 1.5-day module focuses on technology innovation and disruption, and cyber risk. Expert faculty clarify the board’s role in governance in these critical areas.

Excellence in Board Leadership

This 2-day module focuses on leading among equals. Directors learn their own leadership style, as well as when it’s beneficial and when it’s not. Board dynamics and facilitation skills are addressed.

The Board’s Role in Strategy

This 1.5-day module delves into the art and science of strategy and the complementary roles board and management play in the strategic planning process. Directors focus on organiza­tional differentiation and the impact of maintaining or changing their current course.

Financial Direction of the Enterprise and Managing Risk

This 1.5-day module addresses financial direction in strategy within today's economic volatility and geo-political shifts. Highly interactive, it’s geared to help directors understand financial decisions and enterprise risk management in the broader scope of information and possibilities.

Human Capital: Resource and Risk; The Board’s Role

Highly interactive, this 1.5-day module focuses on high-profile subjects such as CEO succession, executive compensation, talent management and crisis management. Case studies spark healthy dialogue.

CONTINUING CERTIFICATION MODULES

Gettysburg Leadership Experience

This experiential, 3-day module uses the Battle of Gettysburg and the leadership styles and choices of its leaders to explore current governance needs. The classroom/battlefield context provides powerful, lasting lessons.

Lewis & Clark Leadership Experience

Directors explore the leadership skills necessary for effectively confronting an unknown future. Imagining a Different Future…Portaging into the Unknown…Creating a Lasting Legacy: these pivotal themes come alive in this 2.5-day module. Meriwether Lewis and William Clark’s 1803 trek into the uncharted West provides an optimal context for discovery.

Leadership Lessons from Gettysburg: Retreat and Resilience

Leverage the lessons you learned during your first session at Gettysburg and integrate new knowledge of Lee's Retreat to Virginia and Lincoln's Visit to Gettysburg and their courses of action. Position your leadership style to guide both people and processes during times of intense challenge and adversity.

 
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