Chief Executive Officer (CEO)-Farm Credit of Western Kansas

[Mr. Job]

POSITION: Chief Executive Officer (CEO) DATE: April 15, 2024 – May 15, 2024 REPORTS TO: Board of Directors LOCATION: Colby, KS Who We AreFarm Credit of Western Kansas is the premier agricultural lender in western Kansas, supporting agricultural producers, farmers and ranchers. We are a customer-owned cooperative, providing capital and crop & livestock insurance to our regions’ farmers & ranchers. We believe investing in our youth and a thriving rural community will pay future dividends and our support for agriculture includes a strong investment in commodity groups as well as other trade associations and educational institutions. We also understand that collaboration with sister organizations as well as other agricultural related businesses and institutions is a requirement to excel in today’s economic environment. As a cooperative, our team of over 25 serve more than 700 stockholders in 9 counties throughout western Kansas. Operating with the highest high-level of customer satisfaction and 99.4% credit quality and strong earnings, we have returned over $55 Million to our member/owners. Farm Credit of Western Kansas is a thriving institution, approaching $500 million in managed assets. Our 9-county territory is diverse with full-time agricultural production, some of the nation’s most robust agricultural operations. Over the past three years, the Association has experienced an average of 6% growth. Farm Credit of Western Kansas is a part of the Farm Credit System, a nationwide network of borrower-owned lending institutions and specialized service organizations. The Farm Credit System provides loans, leases, and related services to farmers, ranchers, rural homeowners, aquatic producers, timber harvesters, agribusinesses, and agricultural and rural utility cooperatives and has more than $410 billion in assets. After a distinguished 42-year career of serving the Farm Credit System and America’s farmers & ranchers, our CEO will be retiring, and the Farm Credit of Western Kansas Board is seeking the next CEO to lead this vibrant organization into the future. POSITION PURPOSE The Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) provides strategic leadership for the Association by working with the Board of Directors and the Leadership Team to establish short-term and long-term goals, strategies, plans, and policies. The CEO controls and oversees all Association functions. The CEO develops and maintains an effective marketing and business development program, develops an effective credit administration program, and maintains a quality loan portfolio. The CEO formulates and oversees financial objectives, strategies, and policies for the Association. The CEO represents the Association throughout the service area and carries out various public relations responsibilities. KEY ACCOUNTABILITIESIn consort with the Board of Directors, the CEO will lead the development of a strategic planning and annual business planning processes that assure Farm Credit of Western Kansas will thrive today and into the future. In collaboration with the Board of Directors, provide leadership that inspires high levels of team engagement, professionalism and mutual respect for all stakeholders. Develop and implement a business development and marketing program to promote the association as a recognized leader in agricultural and rural finance and enhance its reputation in the communities it serves. Facilitate effective communication with the Board to assure robust knowledge of association’s operations. Serve as a key spokesperson for the association, representing Farm Credit of Western Kansas at local, state and national events, as well as local and state legislative hearings. Serve as a liaison with other Farm Credit organizations leadership to assure collaborative working relationships. Develop and maintain internal controls and credit policies, to safeguard assets, manage risk and assure the confidentiality of information, association assets and credit policies.Maintain appropriate financial standards and cost effectiveness by operating within sound budgetary constraints as established by the Board, while ensuring the delivery of sound credit.Provide strategic leadership to the organization through the planning of finance, accounting, technology, human resources, operations and marketplace engagement strategies and actions.Oversee appropriate credit standards and competitive lending rates to support the financial stability of the organization.Continue to build on the strong cultural foundation and actively manage the association’s culture, mission, key characteristics and critical actions.Facilitate management development and succession, proactively making necessary adjustments to maintain effective and efficient operation. Determine appropriate staffing and compensation levels for association employees. Ensure compliance with all regulatory statutes, including, but not limited to Sarbanes-Oxley, security and acceptable use policies as documented in the Information Systems Security Policy and the Information Systems – Rules of Conduct, etc.Other duties as required. QUALIFYING CHARACTERISTICS10+ years of successful leadership experience. Experience in ag-lending, preferred.Exceptional communication skills. Expert financial skill, understanding income statements, balance sheets, and other financial reports.Superior leadership, team building and talent development skills.Strong analysis, judgment and strategic thinking.Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Agricultural Economics or related field. Advanced education preferred or certificate from a graduate School of Banking preferred. Farm Credit System experience is preferred. NOTE ON THE SELECTION PROCESS The Board of Directors for Farm Credit of Western Kansas has retained FCCS to facilitate the selection process. Leading the process is Jay Lux, Vice President of Organizational Development at FCCS. FINAL DATE FOR APPLICATION: May 15, 2024




Read More