BOARD OF DIRECTORS

(a) The authority is governed by a board of directors composed of the following nine members: (1) the commissioner of agriculture; (2) two members appointed by the commissioner who are knowledgeable about agricultural lending practices; and (3) six members appointed by the governor from the following categories: (A) two persons who are representatives of agriculture related entities, including rural chambers of commerce, foundations, trade associations, institutions of higher education, or other entities involved in agricultural matters; (B) two persons who represent young farmers or ranchers and the interests of young farmers or ranchers; and (C) two persons who each operate a family farm or ranch in this state. (b) The appointed members of the board serve staggered terms of two years, with the terms of four members expiring on January 1 of each even-numbered year and the terms of four members expiring on January 1 of each odd-numbered year. (c) Any vacancy occurring in an appointed position on the board shall be filled for the unexpired term in the same manner as provided for the appointment of the position. (d) Repealed by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 285, Sec. 31(2). (e) A board member is not entitled to compensation for serving as a director but is entitled to reimbursement for actual and necessary expenses incurred in performing the official duties of office. (f) Appointments to the board shall be made without regard to the race, color, disability, sex, religion, age, or national origin of the appointees. (g) Notwithstanding Subsection (f), age may be considered by the commissioner in making appointments under Subsection (a)(3)(B).