CEO Message

Nothing is more important to Compeer team members than the relationships with and the success of our clients and communities. The Compeer team always has had, and always will have, our clients’ backs — working tirelessly to be their trusted financial services provider for the long haul.

Celebrating the NEW CHAPTER AHEAD

As our Board chair announced last winter, I will retire from Compeer Financial this coming January. Our current chief financial officer, Jase Wagner, will begin leading the organization as president and CEO on Jan. 1, 2023. That transition is drawing near and, as a result, this issue of Cultivate marks my final opportunity to share my thoughts with you.

After 43 years, it’s difficult to envision a day when I’m not working to support the great people in agriculture and rural America. Farm Credit and cooperative service are embedded in my life, and I will miss being an active part of both.

Yet, I am as certain as ever the time is right for a leadership transition at Compeer. We’ve shared strong financial results with our member-owners; created a dynamic and innovative culture for our team and clients; returned more than $890 million in patronage; and supported rural America by awarding $14.8 million to date in grants, scholarships and one-time gifts through Compeer’s corporate giving program, the Fund for Rural America.

I’m proud we delivered on the commitments we made to our stockholders when we formed Compeer in 2017. This solid foundation is only possible because of the 73,600 clients who trust us for their financial service needs — a responsibility we take seriously. Nothing is more important to Compeer team members than the relationships with and the success of our clients and communities. The Compeer team always has had, and always will have, our clients’ backs — working tirelessly to be their trusted financial services provider for the long haul. My confidence in that commitment makes leaving easier.

Compeer and our clients are in good hands not only with a proficient, innovative and engaged team and a Board committed to Compeer’s success, but also with Jase Wagner as president and CEO. The Board selected him as my successor after a thoughtful and meticulous process. He has more than 20 years of experience in the financial services industry, including 13 years within the Farm Credit System, as well as leading various areas of Compeer’s portfolio. Jase has a strong aptitude for leadership, exemplifies the organization’s mission and values, and has a steadfast dedication to serving our clients in agriculture and rural America.

As outlined in the official announcement in September, Jase has extensive experience, a proven track record and a strong resolve to continue moving Compeer forward. I’ve known Jase since bringing him into Compeer in 2009, and I’m excited about the energy and leadership he’ll provide as the organization's next president and CEO. Compeer is well positioned to remain a strong, successful partner for rural America, and there’s no doubt the positive trajectory of the organization will continue under Jase’s leadership.

As my time with Compeer and Farm Credit winds down, I want to thank our clients, partners, directors and team members. My career has been deeply rewarding because of our mission and all the people connected to it. Looking back on the past 43 years, I am filled with appreciation for the opportunity to lead the organization and gratitude for the many people I worked with along the way. Together, we’ve enriched agriculture and rural America in many different ways, and I couldn’t have asked for anything more.