Growing Leaders: AFC’s Authentic Leadership Program

At AFC, we believe people are our greatest asset. Alabama Farmers Cooperative Authentic Leadership Program (ALP) is an eight-month program focused on leadership principles, life lessons and creating a lasting legacy. In its second year, ALP expanded to include the Co-op employees, offering new opportunities for improved communication and relationship-building between the AFC Main Office and Cooperative staff.

Throughout the program, 19 Participants took part in nine workshops developing skills in leadership in agriculture, integrity and ethics, time management, social etiquette, finance and operations and effective communication.

Additionally, participants visited Madison County Cooperative locations, Tate Farms and Associated Growers Cooperative, Inc. cotton gin to gain a deeper understanding of how the entire system works together to support agriculture. The program culminated with a capstone project presentation focused on new business opportunities for AFC.

During the graduation ceremony in June 2024, AFC President and CEO Rivers Myres presented the 2024 ALP Impact Award to Keith Griffin, General Manager of Madison County Cooperative, for his willingness to lead by example and admit that there is always room to grow as a leader, no matter how seasoned you are.

“Everyone who took part in this year’s Authentic Leadership Program is worthy of the Impact Award,” said AFC President and CEO Rivers Myres. “However, Keith stood out because he could have stayed at the store and let a younger employee do this, but he didn’t. He knew that even though he’s been around for a while, there’s always room for improvement and he was willing to admit that and learn to become an even better leader. There is nothing more powerful than leading by example.”

2024 Participants include Jamie Vann, Angela Walker, Keith Griffin, Donna Solomon, Kyle Neal, Elena Mathewson, Dennis Snider, Emily Moran, Michael Hixon, Tiffany Lester, Pearson Lewis, Tara Hunter, Peyton Smith, Linda Blackwood, Ramsey Prince, Sarah Brown and Slayde Guess. Not pictured are LaKeia Redus and Julia Young.