Honoring Our Board of Directors: A Legacy of Service
We’d like to take a moment to honor and thank three exceptional members of our Board of Directors—John L. Alger, Howard P. “Rowdy” Bateman, and Dr. Joseph C. “Joe” Joyce—for their decades of dedicated service to our Association. Their leadership, vision, and commitment have shaped Farm Credit of Florida into what it is today, leaving a legacy that will continue to inspire us.
Below, we’ve highlighted their incredible contributions to our Board and our Association:
John L. Alger
John L. Alger joined the Farm Credit of South Florida Board in 2007, bringing with him valuable experience as a vegetable grower and nurseryman in Miami-Dade County. His insight and thoughtful commentary were instrumental during pivotal moments, including the merger of Farm Credit of South Florida, Farm Credit of Southwest Florida, and Farm Credit of North Florida.
In January 2025, Mr. Alger announced his resignation to focus on changes to his farming operation.
Howard P. “Rowdy” Bateman
Mr. Bateman began his service on the Farm Credit of Southwest Board of Directors in 2004 and played a vital role through the merger that formed Farm Credit of Florida. He served as Chairman of the Farm Credit of Florida Board from 2019 to 2021, contributing his extensive experience in the cattle industry to guide our Association’s strategic direction.
This year, Mr. Bateman will retire from the board after reaching the age-limit set by board policy. In an effort to optimize board size while ensuring balanced representation across loan volume, commodity mix, and board diversity, the decision was made to collapse Mr. Bateman’s seat effective as of the 2025 Annual Meeting.
Dr. Joseph C. “Joe” Joyce
Dr. Joyce joined the Farm Credit of North Florida Board in 2008 as an appointed "Outside Director" before the merger that created Farm Credit of Florida. With a distinguished career as Senior Vice President for IFAS and Executive Director of the University of Florida Leadership and Education Foundation, Inc., Dr. Joyce has brought unparalleled expertise to his role. From 2017 to 2019, he served as Chairman of the Board, providing steady leadership shaped by his 28-year career in the U.S. Army Reserves, retiring as Brigadier General. His many accomplishments include induction into the Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame. Dr. Joyce retired this year after reaching the age-limit set by board policy, leaving an extraordinary legacy.
This year, Dr. Joyce will retire from the board after reaching the age-limit set by board policy. Dr. Joyce’s appointed seat on the board will collapse upon his retirement, but the Board may consider opportunities to appoint a new Outside Director to further strengthen representation in the future.
We are deeply grateful for the contributions of these extraordinary leaders and the foundation they’ve laid for our future success. As we continue to move forward, we remain committed to honoring their legacy while embracing new opportunities for growth and collaboration.
Thank you for your continued support of Farm Credit of Florida.