Advanced Governance Series

Developed specifically for board members of cooperatives in agriculture and rural America, our Advanced Governance Series (AGS) merges timely, content-rich courses and dynamic peer interaction. 

The integrated curriculum focuses on the complexities of governance for directors today and their need to develop appropriate leadership and business acumen relevant to the business of the cooperative. Boards that participate in AGS gain a proven path to more effective board performance and their directors develop greater confidence through acquiring the knowledge, skills, and abilities they need to serve effectively. 

AGS topics are selected for their relevance and faculty are selected for their deep expertise and their ability to relate to the audience of directors and their concerns. In every AGS module directors work with expert faculty and peer directors from other cooperative boards in a rich, interactive learning environment to gain practical knowledge and skills that are immediately applicable in the boardroom. 

Directors who elect to complete the certification curriculum receive the Advanced Governance Series Director Certification – a distinction among cooperative directors that demonstrates their commitment to governance effectiveness and the long-term success of their cooperative.

AGS Modules Open for Registration

Read more about each module below. Registration fees for 2025 AGS modules is $3,800 per attendee.

How the AGS Modules Work

Each module in the AGS curriculum covers a topic relevant and timely to the continuing education for directors. All modules have two parts that need to be completed sequentially:

Part 1: Online

• Part 1 includes online faculty videos, readings, reflections, and surveys to gather learning requests and questions for faculty.
• Directors will receive an email with their registration confirmation and important information, including login credentials for the FCCS online learning platform.
• The online portion can be completed at one's own pace within 6 weeks prior to the dates of Part 2 of the specific module.

Part 2: In-Person

• The in-person Part 2 of each module includes immersive learning activities, cases, and discussions, as well as group meals and a networking dinner. 
• Participants must attend Part 2 in-person to receive credits towards the AGS Director Certification.
• FCCS selects a unique location specific to each module (city and hotel) and will communicate final location information leading up to the in-person dates for the module.
• Part 2 is covered in 2 days: Day one is a full day beginning with breakfast and Day 2 ends early afternoon, allowing participants time for travel.

To get started in Advanced Governance Series (AGS), and for more information, fill out the form below and we'll contact you as soon as possible. Or contact Leslie Hilton, VP Board Governance at [email protected]