A Carman-area farmer has been named Chairman of the Manitoba Public Insurance Board of Directors. This is Brent VanKoughnet's initial appointment with the Crown corporation and he says is honoured to have been asked and is committed to give his best to the position.

"There's a change-over of the Board and I recognize both the honour and the responsibility that that holds."

The new Chairman says he is also looking forward to working with the rest of the team, adding the strength of a Board is how well all of its members work together.

"As I see the diverse skill-set and dedication to community of the other directors, then I would consider it my job to harness the best of the entire group and give as sage a direction to the organization as we can."

VanKoughnet goes on to say that the role of the MPI Board of Directors is to provide confidence that the Crown corporation is working for the public and expects that members will look to continue programs that have been successful.

"And as we understand those things more then we can look further out into the future and make sure we give a good strategic plan and framework for the organization to continue to be successful on Manitobans' behalf."

VanKoughnet has more than twenty-five years of experience in the agriculture industry as the owner and manager of Agri Skills Inc. His expertise includes customer service, management, consulting services, organizational team building, strategic planning and conflict resolution.  VanKoughnet holds a masters degree in agricultural economics, a bachelor of science in agriculture, a professional agrologist designation, and a certificate in mediation and conflict resolution.

Other new directors appointed to the MPI Board are Valerie Wowryk, Dan Bubis, Domenic Grestoni, Edna Nabess, Jeff Wharton and Richard Chale.