Network ‘face’ moves on – Marianne Cantley, Dairy Exporter

The general manager of the Dairy Women’s Network (DWN) Lynda Clark is stepping down from her role, although she will continue to be involved with the organisation as a trustee on the network’s board.

The growth of the DWN means the general manager’s role is being expanded to a full-time position, which Clark chose not to accept. But she said it had been a privilege to have led the management of the DWN to this point.

Speaking at the DWN Conference in New Plymouth in mid-May, chair Robyn Clements said Clark had been the face of the organisation for the past seven years.

“Lynda has been instrumental in establishing the DWN as a credible and influential group within the dairy farming industry,” she said.

“Her management skills, coupled with her extensive agricultural education background and hard work have helped develop the DWN into the country’s leading professional development organisation for dairying women.”

After studying at Lincoln University, Clark worked as a field officer, then returned to university to teach. Clark was instrumental in introducing a case study approach to learning, considered innovative at the time. She then went on to teach dairy science and was involved in the early days of the Lincoln University Dairy Farm (LUDF) before moving to the Waikato in 1998.

With three young children, she started working part-time for Dexcel, developing learning material and tutoring.

“I have always been interested in self-directed learning and providing people with the opportunity to take responsibility for their own development and achieve their potential,” she said.

One reason she didn’t want the full-time role was to spend time with her three children – Hannah, 19, Tim, 17, and Christopher, 14. She and partner Phil live on 10ha at Matangi, just outside Hamilton, where they run cattle, raise calves and keep horses – Lynda’s other passion. She competes in equestrian events, working her horses at least five days a week.

Clark has a strong governance background and has undertaken the Institute of Directors training, which she said will help her in her continuing role on the DWN board. She is also on the board of Waikato Diocesan school and is now keen to take on other directorships in the agricultural sector

She said she will miss the day to day management of DWN.

“It’s been my baby,” she said.

“This year, in particular, has been a real highlight. We achieved record numbers at our Dairy Days events, plus we’ve signed up major sponsors, including BNZ Partners. It’s been an exciting time but I’m looking forward to new opportunities.”