40 Square Cooperative Solutions is pleased to announce that Amanda Beavens is joining the organization as its new executive director.

“I’m honored to be part of the 40 Square team and continue Minnesota’s long tradition of supporting cooperatives,” Beavens said. “I’m eager to lead the growth of 40 Square as we take a new approach. Ultimately, I want to make a difference in people’s lives by helping Minnesota farm families, agribusinesses and ag trade association cooperatives access our health plans.”

Beavens, an alum of Minnesota State Mankato, arrives at 40 Square with more than 20 years of experience managing senior care facilities throughout south-central Minnesota, most recently as the housing director at Ecumen Pathstone Living.

“We are excited to welcome Amanda to 40 Square,” Chair Cole Trebesch said. “Her longtime experience working in health care settings, along with her passion for helping others, makes her an ideal fit for the direction we’re heading.”

Beavens was raised on a family farm operation in Ellendale, Minnesota, and spent summers doing chores on the farm. She later taught about cooperatives while working as a camp counselor with Minnesota Farmers Union, one of 40 Square’s investor-members. Beavens said she’s excited to return to her rural roots.

“I’m not a farmer,” she said, “but I do know my way around the farm and have a great appreciation for all the hard work that goes into producing food, fiber and fuel for the world.”

40 Square is Minnesota’s only agricultural co-op focusing exclusively on providing farm families, agribusinesses, qualified ag trade associations (ATAs) and cooperatives – and their employees – access to self-funded health plan options. 40 Square offers participants a variety of health plans to choose from, including health savings account (HSA) eligible plans. Plan participants are eligible to join 40 Square throughout the year, not just during the open enrollment window in November and December. Interested participants can also receive a free quote within minutes.

Beavens said one of her primary goals will be growing 40 Square’s ATAs and cooperative membership base. Since 2020, 40 Square can offer the state’s ATAs and co-ops the ability to join 40 Square. As a result of becoming an ATA/co-op member of 40 Square, trade associations and cooperatives are able to provide their members – should they meet the qualifications – the ability to join 40 Square with no stock investment cost.

“That’s a big benefit to those members that we’re really going to be highlighting,” Beavens said.

Beavens will be working out of the Mankato offices of Ag Management Solutions, which oversees 40 Square’s daily operations. She also lives in Mankato with her husband, Ryan, and their three children. Beavens plans to visit with Minnesota’s agriculture community in the weeks and months ahead and will be stationed at 40 Square’s booth at Farmfest in the Wellness Pavilion Aug. 2-4.

“I’m excited to contribute to the growth of 40 Square and being part of a team,” Beavens said.

Contact

Are you in interested joining the nearly 1,000 Minnesotans who own their health plans with 40 Square? We’ve got you covered! 40 Square could be the missing piece to solve your health care puzzle. Visit www.40Square.coop to learn more about its health plans, doctor network and more, or contact info@40Square.coop or 844-205-9579 to receive a free quote. Amanda Beavens can be reached at abeavens@40square.coop