Chief Executive Officer Position Description

Position: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Reports to: Board of Directors
Date: August 1 - August 31, 2022
Location: Jefferson City, MO

WHO WE ARE 

FCS Financial is the premier agricultural lender in Missouri, 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 250 serve more than 26,000 stockholders in 102 counties through 21 branch offices throughout Missouri. Operating with a high-level of customer satisfaction, world-class net promoter scores, 98.75% credit quality and strong earnings, we have returned over $208 Million to our member/owners since 2006. FCS Financial is a thriving institution with $5.7 Billion in managed assets. Missouri hosts the second largest number of farms in the United States with more than 93,000 located in our service area. The 102-county territory is diverse with full-time agricultural production, some of the nation’s largest agribusinesses and robust rural lifestyle lending opportunities. The Association has experienced 5% - 20% growth for each of the past three years. 

FCS Financial 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 FCS Financial 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 ACCOUNTABILITIES 

1. In collaboration with the Board of Directors, provide leadership to the Association that inspires the highest level of engagement, professionalism and mutual respect for all stakeholders. 
2. In collaboration with the Board of Directors lead the development of a strategic planning and annual business planning processes that assure FCS Financial will thrive and have a meaningful future. 
3. 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. 
4. Serve as a key spokesperson for the Association, representing FCS Financial at local, state and national events, as well as local and state legislative hearings. 
5. Develop and maintain internal controls and credit policies, to safeguard assets, manage risk and assure the confidentiality of information, association assets and credit policies. 
6. Maintain appropriate financial standards and cost effectiveness by operating within sound fiscal budgetary constraints as established by the Board, while ensuring the delivery of sound credit with portfolio credit quality. 
7. Provide strategic leadership to the organization through the planning of finance, accounting, technology, human resources, operations and marketplace engagement strategies and actions 
8. Provide information and advice to the Board to maintain an effective and knowledgeable Board regarding all aspects of the Association’s operations. 
9. Continue to build on the strong cultural foundation and actively manage the association’s culture, mission, key characteristics and critical actions. 
10. Facilitate management development and succession, proactively making necessary adjustments to maintain effective and efficient operation. Determine appropriate staffing and compensation levels for association employees. 
11. 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. 
12. Other duties as required. 

QUALIFYING CHARACTERISTICS 

• 15+ years of successful leadership experience, including 10+ in senior leadership 
• Expertise ag-lending, policy, scope and eligibility requirements. 
• 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. 
• Thorough understanding of the laws and regulations governing financial institutions. 
• Farm Credit System experience is preferred. 

NOTE ON THE SELECTION PROCESS 

The Board of Directors for FCS Financial 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: August 31, 2022 

Interested candidates should email a cover letter and resume to executiverecruiting@fccsconsulting.com.

If you have any questions, please contact Jay Lux, FCC Services, at 651.982.4568 or jay.lux@fccsconsulting.com.