Any officer or agent elected or appointed by the Board of Directors may be removed for cause by the Board of Directors whenever, in its judgment, the best interests of the Cooperative will be served thereby.
In addition, any member of the Cooperative may bring for cause charges against an officer by filing such charges in writing with the Secretary, together with a petition signed by 10% of the members, and request the removal of the particular officer by reason thereof.
The officer against whom such charges have been brought shall be informed in writing of the charges at least 5 days prior to the meeting at which the charges are to be considered, and shall have an opportunity at the meeting to be heard in person or by counsel and to present evidence in respect of the charges; and the person or persons bringing the charges against the officer shall have the same opportunity. In the event the Board of Directors does not remove an officer challenged pursuant to a member's petition, the question of such removal shall be considered and voted upon at the next meeting of the members.