Get to know: Vanessa Kummer

District 3 board member Vanessa Kummer

The Cass County Electric Cooperative (CCEC) membership elected Vanessa Kummer of Colfax, N.D., to the District 3 director seat at the 2024 annual meeting.

Education and training:
I pursued my formal education in Business Management at NDSCS. Nevertheless, the majority of my knowledge and skills have been acquired through practical experience, emphasizing a hands-on approach to learning.

Profession:
I have dedicated 46 years of my life to farming and the ag industry. Although my son has taken on more responsibilities in managing the farm, I continue to lend a hand during the busy planting and harvest seasons. Time spent on the United Soybean Board helped prepare me for my new role on the CCEC board of directors.

Dream job:
Traveling professionally is my ideal occupation. Exploring unfamiliar destinations, interacting with locals, and immersing myself in diverse cultures worldwide.

Motivation:
What inspires me the most is the drive to continue learning and improving. We need to trust our abilities to learn and succeed by trying new things.

Impactful advice:
The most valuable guidance I have been given is that if you do not experience failure, you are not pushing yourself enough. Venture beyond your comfort zone and embrace new responsibilities and challenges.

What aspect of being a director at CCEC are you looking forward to the most?
Engaging with the community and gaining knowledge about the businesses that impact my daily life. Serving our members and ensuring the cooperative’s fiduciary responsibilities are met to secure the sustainability of the cooperative framework.

Family:
I have worked side-by-side with my husband, Paul, for 46 years. Presently, our son Blaine (Megan) and their son, Owen, reside on and manage the family farm.

Meanwhile, our daughter Rachael (Dave) and son Maxwell have settled in Colorado, where Rachael oversees the gifted and talented program for students K-12 in her school district.

Hobbies:
In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my grandchildren, golfing, skiing, reading, traveling, and hiking.