By Andi Anderson

Farm Credit Illinois (FCI) is embarking on a search for its next CEO as current President and CEO Aaron Johnson prepares for retirement at the end of the year, bringing an end to his nearly four-decade career with the organization.

The FCI Board of Directors, comprised of farmers from across the cooperative's service area, is initiating a national search to identify a qualified leader who can build on the cooperative's successes and navigate future challenges in the agricultural finance industry.

Steve Hettinger, FCI Board Chair and Champaign County farmer, emphasized the importance of finding a visionary leader who can guide the cooperative through strategic planning and drive its mission of Helping Farm Families Succeed. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong leadership, a commitment to employee engagement, and a deep understanding of the agricultural sector.

Headquartered in Mahomet, Illinois, FCI is a farmer-owned lending cooperative with $7 billion in assets and investments, serving 18,900 members across the southern 60 counties of Illinois. As part of the Farm Credit System, FCI plays a vital role in providing financial services to rural communities and agriculture nationwide.

The CEO position is open to qualified candidates interested in leading FCI into its next chapter of growth and service to its members. The job posting and application details are available on the FCI website, with a deadline for submissions set for June 15, 2024.

For more information about the CEO position or the application process, interested candidates can contact Jay Lux, Vice President of Organizational Development at FCCS, at 651-982-4568 or jay.lux@fccsconsulting.com.

FCI remains committed to its mission of Helping Farm Families Succeed and looks forward to welcoming a new CEO to lead the cooperative in fulfilling its purpose and serving its members in the years to come.

Photo Credit: Farm Credit