Karen Neff, past-chair of on Farm Credit Illinois’ Board of Directors, was named the 2017 Illinois Cooperative Council’s Outstanding Cooperative Director.

Neff and her husband own and operate a grain and livestock operation in St. Clair County. As a member of the FCI Board of Directors for more than 10 years, Neff has demonstrated a deep passion for cooperation in agriculture. She served as the vice-chair for two years before becoming FCI’s first female board chair in 2013 and served in that role for four years.

“Karen believes in FCI’s cooperative mission and core purpose of Helping Farm Families Succeed and advocates from the boardroom for innovative ways for the Association to deliver value to members,” says Beth Bolger, FCI Marketplace Initiatives Manager and 2017 Illinois Cooperative Council Chair. “The Council commends and congratulates Karen for her leadership and service to FCI member-owners.”