Tim Amerson to retire effective December 31

After 37 years of service, AgFirst’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Tim Amerson, will retire from his position effective December 31, 2024. Mr. Amerson and the Board have been working together over the course of several months on a transition plan which will ensure that a strong management team remains in place and AgFirst continues to cultivate and grow its role in supporting Association partners.

 Key components of the plan are: 

• The Board has established a Transition Committee to oversee the transition process. The Transition Committee has retained an executive search firm to identify and vet qualified candidates. 
• The Board is pleased that Pat Calhoun, AgFirst’s Chief Credit Officer, has agreed to serve as acting CEO during the succession process. Mr. Calhoun has been with the AgFirst District for over 35 years. His broad experience, including his former role as CEO of AgSouth Farm Credit and current duties as AgFirst’s Executive Vice President and Chief Credit Officer, has equipped him well to serve in this interim position. The Board is confident that Mr. Calhoun’s experience and track record will provide continuity and position the company to maintain momentum and performance during the interim period. 
• Mr. Amerson will continue to provide assistance to the Board, as well as Mr. Calhoun and the incoming CEO, to ensure a seamless transition process.

Mr. Amerson started his career with AgFirst in 1987 as a financial analyst with the Farm Credit Banks of Columbia, and throughout his tenure held the roles of Director of Asset/Liability Management, Treasurer, CFO, COO, and finally CEO. Under Mr. Amerson’s dedicated leadership, AgFirst has experienced sustained growth and development. His commitment to AgFirst’s mission has been instrumental in AgFirst’s success over the past decade of his service as President and CEO.