Board Members

Ross Voelker — District #6 - Chairman

Ross and his wife Noreen live and farm in Pigeon, Michigan. He doesn't believe his centennial farm has ever missed a year of growing Dry Beans. Ross began his farming career in 1983. He has a Bachelor of Arts in the College of Business from Michigan State University. Ross enjoys growing all the traditional Saginaw Valley Crops.

Fran Carlson — District #7

Fran is a grower and packager of dry beans and a registered dietician. In addition to serving on The Michigan Bean Commission board, Fran is a member of the The Michigan Centennial Association Board and aims to increase dry bean consumption especially in the United States. Gourmet cooking, with beans, of course, is one of Fran's passions.

Clint Stoutenburg — District #4 - Vice Chairman

Clint resides in Sandusky, Michigan, with his wife Carolyn, and two children, Kenton 5, and Isabella 2. Clint farms with his father Al on their Centennial Farm on the outskirts of Sandusky. Sugar beets, corn, wheat, dry beans, soybeans and beef cattle keep the activity level of the farm in high gear. They also do work with Foundation seed and Pioneer Foundation seed. Clint is a member of the Sandusky Episcopal Church, Sanilac County Farm Bureau, Sanilac dry bean board and the Michigan sugar Company.

Greg Ackerman — District #3

Neil French — Shipper Representative

Neil and his wife Janet reside in Munger. Neil has been in the dry bean industry for over 35 years and is employed as a Grower Relations Manager for ADM Edible Bean Specialties in Reese, MI. He has a degree from Michigan State University in Ag Tech/Elevator Management. Neil and his brother also operate a cash-crop family farm. Neil’s hobbies include traveling around the world on hunting and fishing expeditions.

John Densmore — District #2

John operates a multigeneration farm with his son, Terry, in cental Gratiot County. John, and his wife Kathy reside ont he operation near North Star. Crops grown are dry beans, soybeans, wheat, corn and sugarbeets along with a few cattle. John is a past director of the Gratiot Soil Conservation District. John and Kathy have two daughters, Erica and Courtney, two sons Kurt and Terry and five grand children.

Jack Frank — District #1

Jack resides in the Kawkawlin area just North of Bay City with his wife Marilyn and their sheltie dog, Brandy Rose. Frank Farms, Inc. is third generation family farm, growing dry beans, sugar beets, corn, wheat, and soybeans. He feels this is an exciting time to be in the dry bean business.

Allen Bischer — District #5

John Krick — District #8 - Treasurer

John Krick is from Frankenmuth, Michigan where he and his uncle and his son operate a cash crop operation that includes dry beans, sugar beets, corn, wheat and soybeans. John is an active volunteer in the community. John represents the 8th district.