Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation honors individuals at annual meeting
On Nov. 8, during the Wyoming Farm Bureau (WyFB) Federation’s 105th Annual Meeting, two individuals were presented awards.
Wyoming State Sen. Cheri Steinmetz was awarded the WyFB Leadership Award, given to those who have devoted much time to the betterment of agriculture in Wyoming through their leadership in farm bureau and beyond.
Additionally, Mountain West Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company (MWFBI) President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Jim Geesey was awarded the agency’s Distinguished Service Award, which is presented to those who have gone above and beyond in their service to agriculture.
Leadership awardee
With a strong background in agriculture, Steinmetz has a deep connection to Wyoming’s rural way of life, a passion for the land and a love for the communities that make up her district and state.
“I’m a farm girl from Goshen County, so agriculture is near and dear to my heart, and I understand the battles we’re facing from the federal government and the fiscal challenges facing us right now,” Steinmetz said upon receipt of her award.
Steinmetz proudly represents Goshen, Niobrara and Weston counties in the Wyoming State Senate.
Since her election in 2019, she has served on the Appropriations Committee, ensuring Wyoming’s resources are carefully managed for the benefit of the state’s communities and future generations.
Her legislative career, however, began long before the state Senate.
From 2015-18, she represented House District Five, where she quickly became known as a principled and effective leader.
In his nomination letter, Lane Hageman noted her tenure has not been without its challenges. Her district has faced multiple natural disasters, including a canal tunnel collapse, a canal breach and devastating wildfires.
“She is a leader in efforts to protect and preserve agriculture and is a champion of private property rights and individual freedom. She has responded to these events with compassion for those affected and leadership to effectively and efficiently handle the problems at stake,” Hageman said.
Throughout her legislative career, Steinmetz has contributed her skills and passion across numerous committees. She previously served on the Senate’s Agriculture, State and Public Lands and Water Resources Committee; the Transportation, Highways and Military Affairs Committee; the Select Committee on Legislative Facilities, Technology and Process; the Travel, Recreation and Wildlife Committee and the Committee on Capitol and Finance.
She has chaired both the Agriculture, State and Public Lands and Water Resources Committee and the Select Water Committee.
Through her leadership in these roles, she has championed Wyoming’s agricultural industry, consistently defended private property rights and protected the individual freedoms of her constituents.
Beyond her work in the legislature, Steinmetz has been deeply involved in her local community. She has served as the secretary of the Goshen County Republican Women, on the Goshen County Farm Bureau Federation board and as a precinct committee woman for the Wyoming Republican Party.
Distinguished service honoree
“Tireless in his endeavors to serve Wyoming, Geesey has been a member of farm bureau throughout his nearly 40 years of service,” said WyFB President Todd Fornstrum. “He has worked tirelessly to maintain the connection between the insurance company and federation throughout those years.”
In his letter of nomination, Tim Pexton noted Geesey holds a deep understanding of the ties between the insurance company and the federation.
“Under his leadership, the MWFBI shares more than the name and logo of farm bureau,” Pexton said.
Geesey is no stranger to service to his home state of Wyoming. At MWFBI, he has served as an agent, agency manager, vice president of marketing and currently serves as the president and CEO.
A proud University of Wyoming (UW) graduate with a degree in industrial management, Geesey has taken on numerous leadership positions, each with significant impact. He has served as director of the Laramie Economic Development Corporation, president of the UW Alumni Association, president of the Wyoming Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors and board member for the Laramie Area Chamber of Commerce.
He has also served as a Park County School Board trustee, president of both the Kemmerer Chamber of Commerce and the Kemmerer Lions Club and chairman of the Lincoln County Republican Party.
Geesey continues to be active in his community and professional circles. He serves on the Wyoming Business Alliance Steering Committee and sits on the board of the Ivinson Memorial Hospital Foundation. Notably, he is also involved in furthering his leadership skills by participating in the Leadership Academy, a branch of Leadership Wyoming.
His commitment to his community goes beyond official roles. He’s shown dedication to causes like United Way and Hospice of Laramie, always ready to give back and help those around him.
The mission of WyFB is to represent the voices of Wyoming farmers and ranchers through grassroots policy development while focusing on protecting private property rights, strengthening agriculture and supporting farm and ranch families through advocacy, education and leadership development. For more information, visit wyfb.org.
