If you are a member of the National Association of Farm Broadcasting (NAFB), you probably received an email yesterday from the organization that there will be a special election at the annual convention next month to replace Tony St. James as 2017 NAFB president.

According to the email, This action is the direct result of the NAFB Board of Directors’ recent dismissal of St. James from his duties and responsibilities as Director and Executive Committee member. Citing unsolvable conflicts, the Board unanimously approved and the President supported this action on September 16. A number of issues drove the decision including a loss of trust and confidence among Board and staff members, and violations of the NAFB Commitment to Serve agreement. St. James’ removal was effective September 27.

Tony is a 34-year broadcasting veteran & farm broadcaster on All Ag, All Day who was elected as vice president of NAFB in 2014. When I called him to get his side of this story, Tony was very gracious and kind, as he always is, and said nothing negative about NAFB leadership or staff.

“I am obviously disappointed,” Tony said. “I was elected to serve at the pleasure of the membership of NAFB to identify problems and find solutions. I feel there are certain things that you stand up for and that is not always at a cheap price.”

Tony said he was contacted by NAFB on September 8 with a complaint of “harassment” but that he was denied any opportunity to get specifics or to defend himself prior to being informed that he was being dismissed from the board. The harassment charge was not sexual in nature, but that is all we know about it.

In the email to members, NAFB President Brian Winnekins said, “This was a very difficult decision—one that was heavily considered…The Board’s focus is to always act in the best interest of the association and its membership.”

Would be interested to know the reaction of the NAFB membership about this. Since this is a legal matter, the members of the NAFB board have been instructed not to comment on it much beyond what was stated in the email. Comments are open – what say you?