MSU ALUMNA RECIEVES AWARD FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE

Melissa Humphrey, GreenStone regional vice president for sales and customer relations, has received the 2015 Farm Credit Council Phelps-Martin Award. The national award is presented annually to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional efforts in volunteer work and community service. 

Humphrey was recognized for her volunteer efforts with "Family Fun at the Farm," a Farm Bureau program in Clinton and Ionia counties that gives the public a hands-on educational experience at local dairy farms. Since 2010, she has served in the critical role of volunteer coordinator, leading the charge to find, train and deploy over 200 volunteers who welcome more than 2,500 people to a local dairy farm every year. In this role, she collaborates with the local committee to ensure enough volunteers are present to host a successful event; she even took the lead on creating a handbook for the volunteers with job descriptions for each position.

From ordering t-shirts to helping the host family prepare for guests, Humphrey is a team player committed to ensuring the success of the program each year. "It is an honor to have been chosen for the Phelps-Martin award," said Humphrey. "Family Fun at the Farm is a fantastic way for the public to learn about modern agriculture, and I am grateful for GreenStone's support. I am looking forward to another fun and educational summer."

In addition to her volunteer work, Humphrey has dedicated her career to agriculture and helping farmers. In her current role at GreenStone, she is responsible for directing and supporting five branches and the sales staff and their customers on the west side of Michigan. "Melissa has always displayed a great commitment to go above and beyond, both for GreenStone and the agricultural community," said Ian McGonigal, GreenStone senior vice president of regional sales. "She is incredibly deserving of this award."

Growing up, Humphrey was actively involved with her local 4-H group and is currently a member of the State Promotion and Education Committee with Michigan Farm Bureau. Originally from Three Oaks in Berrien County, Humphrey grew up on a family dairy and cash crop farm. She currently resides in Fowler with her husband, Josh, a dairy herdsman, and their two sons, Ethan and Drew. In her spare time, Humphrey enjoys golfing and spending time at the family cottage.