98 | How to Thrive as a Board Member with Mark Stewart

The Episode:

When it comes to the next generation of agricultural leaders, few people have had a bigger impact than Mark Stewart. As the President and CEO of Agriculture Future of America (AFA), Mark has spent the last decade-plus helping thousands of students find their footing—and their future—in this industry.

In this episode, featuring the influential Mark Stewart, we talk about how his own winding path led him from university fundraising to one of the most influential ag leadership roles in the country. Mark shares what it really looks like to grow an organization with purpose, why community and connection are more important than ever, and how AFA is helping students from every background step confidently into careers that matter.

He’s not just building programs—he’s shaping the future of agriculture, one relationship at a time.

In this episode, How to Thrive as a Board Member with Mark Stewart, we cover: 

• Board governance
• Mark’s insights from his experience across various organizations
• The importance of understanding different board structures and the critical need for proper vetting before joining any board
• The significance of board member characteristics, highlighting critical thinking and objectivity as essential qualities
• How he cautions against joining boards solely to solve specific problems, emphasizing the importance of believing in the organization’s mission
• The three main aspects of board responsibilities if you’re looking to serve

Resources & Links:

• Author Patrick Lencioni
• A Bit of Optimism Podcast
• Cultivating Leaders- AFA Podcast
• Be A Maker School
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• Email us at hello@ofthewest.co
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Connect with Mark Stewart:

• Visit the AFA website

Mark Stewart serves as the President and CEO of Agriculture Future of America (AFA), where he leads the organization’s strategic planning efforts and external partnerships, all centered on developing the next generation of leaders in agriculture. Since joining AFA in 2011 as Director of Development and Communications, Mark has helped grow the organization’s reach and deepen its impact across the country.

Before his time at AFA, Mark Stewart served as Director of Development and Communications for the Don Bosco Centers in Kansas City, Missouri, and held previous leadership roles as Vice President of Hartsook Companies, as well as development positions at Avila University and Northwest Missouri State University. He earned both his B.S. and M.B.A. from Northwest Missouri State University and holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis from the University of Missouri.

Mark Stewart currently serves on the Board of Directors for the American Royal Association and Together We Grow, an agricultural diversity consortium. He is also a Farm Foundation Round Table Fellow. His past volunteer service includes involvement with the America’s Heartland advisory board, Northeast Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, Northland Career Center’s ag education board, the Northeast Kansas City HELP Center, and the Leadership Council at his church. Mark lives in Kansas City, Missouri, with his wife, Megan, where they are raising their four daughters.

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