With the start of a new fiscal year, the Grain Elevator and Processing Society (GEAPS) is pleased to announce the appointment of Austin Carpenter as the new Board President. Carpenter, who has been a dedicated member of GEAPS for nearly 15 years, currently serves as the sales manager for Clear Creek & Associates, Inc., in Goshen, Indiana.
Reflecting on his new role, Carpenter expressed his enthusiasm: “A position I never thought possible, at a time that couldn’t be better! Exciting things are happening at GEAPS, including membership growth and Exchange growth with more to follow. I look forward to supporting the policies and vision the International Board of Directors has had over the past several years and paving the way for future leadership.”
Chuck Kunisch, who served as GEAPS president over the past year, will now take on the role of Chairman of the Board. Kunisch is the Safety Director at Michigan Agricultural Commodities (MAC) and has been an active member of GEAPS for over 20 years, representing the Michigan Southern Ontario chapter.
“Being president of GEAPS this last year was one of the best experiences of my life,” Kunisch said. “The high point had to be Exchange ‘24. It was almost an unbelievable success. The people I have met and worked with as president will forever be part of my life. Did I have challenges and was it sometimes frustrating? Sure! But what we were able to accomplish made it all very worthwhile and I will certainly miss it. I know the organization will be in great hands with Austin Carpenter taking over the reins as president of GEAPS. He will have a lot of support from GEAPS’ board, all the GEAPS volunteers, and a fantastic staff, including our new Executive Director John Caupert.”
In addition to Carpenter’s new role, several other leadership positions have been filled:
- Bob Horvat, Cargill, has been elected as First Vice President.
- Alex Westlind, The Weitz Company, will serve as Second Vice President.
- With Horvat’s new position, Jon Brown has been appointed as the new Board Treasurer.
Newly elected board members include Sarah Fakhari, Cadrien Livingston, and Ruchi Ryley. Due to job changes making Second Vice President Jori Templeton and Board Director Holly Betten ineligible to serve, Adam Geers and Danny Lien will assume director roles for the coming year.
GEAPS looks forward to the continued growth and success under its new leadership, building on the achievements of past years and setting the stage for future innovations in the grain and processing industry.
