Dr. Fred Woodward has recently been named chair of Miner Institute’s board of trustees. Geoffrey Yates was appointed vice-chair. Woodward succeeds outgoing Chair Rod Giltz, who served in the position for six years.
“Rod Giltz’s expertise in business and financial matters and his encouragement of greater trustee participation have strengthened our board,” said Miner Institute President Dr. Heather Dann. Giltz became an advisory board member in 1984 and a trustee in 1990. He served as board chair from 2018 to 2024. He will remain a trustee on the board. “We are grateful for his continued service as a trustee and look forward to his ongoing contributions,” Dann said.
Woodward joined the advisory board in 1990 and became a trustee in 2010. Woodward served as vice-chair from 2018 to 2024. Yates has served as a trustee since 2004. Both bring a wealth of experience to their respective positions.
After serving in the US Navy, Woodward spent his career in higher education administration and served as president of Columbia-Greene Community College in NY; Butler County Community College in PA; SUNY Morrisville in NY: and Westfield State University in MA. After retiring and returning to the North Country, Woodward was asked to serve as president of Clinton Community College and later the TDC. He is involved in numerous community organizations.
Yates worked as a regional extension specialist for four years, where he was part of a tri-county dairy team with Ev Thomas and Harry Randy, who both went on to work for Miner Institute. Thomas as agronomist and Randy as president. Yates went on to work at Farm Credit where he served in numerous roles including farm business consultant, director of financial services, chief appraiser, and as a senior vice president and chief strategy officer. Yates is also involved in several community organizations.
“Dr. Woodward’s extensive background in higher education administration and his commitment to community service, combined with Mr. Yates’ expertise in agricultural finance and strategic planning, will drive our mission forward. Their leadership and dedication will undoubtedly guide us towards continued success and growth in our mission to serve the agricultural community and beyond,” Dann concluded.