The Board of directors executed an extensive search process over the past few months to find a successor President and CEO. The search resulted in the Board hiring our current Chief Financial Officer Mike Grauberger, who is a “perfect fit” to lead Premier Farm Credit into the future. Mike will officially assume the role after my retirement at the end of 2017, but we will begin incrementally transitioning duties immediately.
Mike has been with the Farm Credit System for over 31 years, and with this Association for 28 of those years. He has been an active and integral member of the management team since 2005, where his involvement has helped to shape the Association’s culture and his contributions have been instrumental in creating the success we have enjoyed. Mike has earned the respect and support of the staff over the years with his intellect, values and inherent leadership abilities.
It is a testament to the quality of our leadership team that after a nationwide search, the Board selected an internal candidate for the CEO role. This reflects the quality and dedication of our employees, who are not only committed to agriculture in our territory, but also to understanding and appreciating the significant role Premier plays in supporting this vital industry.
So, what does this change in leadership mean to you, the member-owners?
I cannot promise that there won’t be changes. While we worked closely together as a management team to build our current structure, processes, and culture, this does not mean that new leadership will not implement changes they see as being beneficial to Association operations. It is not only their right; it is their obligation to consider ways in which they can improve the Association.
However, the one thing I can promise is that every effort will be made to continue adding to the value proposition of being a member-owner of this Association. This has always been our focus and it will not change under new leadership, as it truly embodies the spirit of the cooperative model.
With Mike as the CEO, surrounded by the highly tenured and talented management team and staff, I envision nothing but continued success for the Association.
Rest assured, as I will, that your Association is in good hands as you enter the next era of leadership at Premier!
