leader FARM CREDIT OF CENTRAL FLORIDA
A LOOK INSIDE... The Swindles: Passionate Investors in the Future of Agriculture Generation Z is in the House Poinsettias: From Greenhouse to Gift Exchange
WINTER 2018
Greetings, As we enter a new year, many of us are setting goals and aspirations for new habits or lifestyle changes to implement in 2018. Maybe it’s a new exercise program, better eating habits or perhaps learning a new skill. At the association, while we continue to look to the future and new opportunities ahead, we remain focused on our commitment to Central Florida agriculture and the diversity within it. We remain steadfast in fulfilling our mission to farmers, ranchers and rural America and look to another successful year ahead. Enjoy,
R E G G I E H O LT
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LEADER is published quarterly for stockholders, directors and friends of Farm Credit of Central Florida.
PRESIDENT Reginald T. Holt BOARD OF DIRECTORS Robert R. Roberson, Chairman W. Rex Clonts, Jr., Vice Chairman Jenny R. Black C. Dennis Carlton, Sr. John S. Langford Randy L. Larson Dale McClellan David A. Mereness Keith D. Mixon Randall E. Strode Ronald R. Wetherington
INSIDE THIS ISSUE 4
The Swindles: Passionate Investors in the Future of Agriculture
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Generation Z is in the House
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Association News
Poinsettias: From Greenhouse to Gift Exchange Agriculture’s Risky Business and Farm Credit’s Advantage
EDITORS Tory Moore, Marketing Manager Hannah Dugger, Marketing Coordinator PUBLISHER AgFirst Farm Credit Bank DESIGNERS Joey Ayer Athina Eargle Darren Hill Amanda Simpson Travis Taylor Brittany Wilt PRINTER Professional Printers
Address changes, questions, comments or requests for copies of our financial reports should be directed to Farm Credit of Central Florida by writing P.O. Box 8009, Lakeland, FL 33802-8009 or calling 863-6824117. Our quarterly financial report can also be obtained on our website: www.FarmCreditCFL.com
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LARRY AND DEBBIE SWINDLE ON THEIR FAMILY FARM IN PLANT CITY, FLORIDA
THE SWINDLES: PASSIONATE INVESTORS IN THE FUTURE OF AGRICULTURE Larry and Debbie Swindle’s passion for Florida agriculture parallels their contribution. The Plant Citybased farming family has worn many hats in their decades involved in the agriculture industry—dating to even before the couple met. “We’ve both been involved in agriculture for as long as we can remember,” said Debbie. “My dad
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bought property in 1954 after he came back from the Army. We farmed strawberries and vegetables.” “My grandparents had cattle and my parents had citrus groves and row crops. We hosted several u-picks for the community,” shared Larry. Larry and Debbie married in 1975 and Larry started farming strawberries with Debbie’s father
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We’ve kept agriculture noticeable through our cattle operation and food production, but FFA really teaches the professional skills needed to progress in this industry.
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DEBBIE SWINDLE
soon after. For 15 years, the Swindles farmed a variety of commodities alongside strawberries. In the early ‘90s, Larry returned to his construction roots and worked an assortment of jobs within his father’s company. After two and a half years, he became an estimator. Larry was promoted to and retired as president of the company in January 2015. Since the early ‘90s, the Swindles have been working with youth involved in agriculture. They realize their investment will help prepare in a generation to tackle the agricultural challenges of a growing population.
Larry, an alumnus of Plant City High School, sits on the board of directors for the Florida FFA Foundation and Alumni Association, two entities that exist to support the almost 18,000 active members of the Florida FFA Association. Debbie and Larry work best behind the scenes chaperoning FFA events, manning registration tables, cooking for fundraisers and other assortments of odd jobs. Providing the “why” behind the Swindles’ dedication, Debbie says, “Growing up, my parents stressed the importance of keeping agriculture in the family. Since it became our livelihood, I understand exactly what they were talking about. We’ve kept agriculture noticeable through our cattle operation and food production, but FFA really teaches the professional skills needed to progress in this industry.” Years of helping with contests, chaperoning conventions and donations to FFA chapters led to Debbie and Larry being inducted into the Florida FFA Hall of Fame on Sept. 25, 2017. This distinct honor is afforded to those who have donated their time and talents to make Florida FFA the premier youth organization in the state. Many hail the Swindles as “Florida FFA’s biggest cheerleaders,” but their contribution to youth in agriculture reaches far beyond the FFA. They believe there is real stock in empowering students to study agriculture after high school. Debbie has served on the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Special Help for Agricultural Research and Education CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE LEADER • WINTER 2018
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We have to take care of them so they understand the important role agriculture plays when it’s their turn to be the farmers, business owners and lawmakers.
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LARRY SWINDLE
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(SHARE) Council, a group of volunteers committed to the effort of identifying, cultivating and securing sources of private support for UF/IFAS as part of the non-profit University of Florida Foundation, Inc (UFF). Through her involvement on this committee, she received the Volunteer of the Year award in 2014. Coupled with their work at the University of Florida, the Swindles have contributed to Warner University’s Agriculture Studies program, and made a generous donation to build the Ed and Myrtle Lou Swindle Agricultural Complex in 2016. “We want to ensure students continue to study agriculture. It’s so important,” said Debbie. “With Warner being a Christian college, we know the students are being fed in mind, body and soul.” The Swindles also give back to their agriculture community by supporting the annual Florida Strawberry Festival in Hillsborough County, the Hillsborough County Fair and the Polk County Youth Fair. They sponsor youth livestock programs by providing financial support for several exhibitors and sharing their expertise and time to foster a love for agriculture in youth. That love was successfully fostered among Larry and Debbie’s children and grandchildren. Their daughter, Stephanie, is married to Jason Conrad; their children are Anna, 19, Madilyn, 16, Shalee, 11, and
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Tucker, 9. Their son, Johnathan, is married to Lori; their children are Ava, 10, and Alli, 5. Jason and Stephanie dove feet first into FFA in middle school. Stephanie competed on the statewinning Parliamentary Procedure and Forestry teams. Her daughter, Anna, was Florida FFA State Vice President for the 2016-2017 academic year, and Madilyn is the sub-district chairman and district secretary for Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties. Larry refers to Shalee fondly as the “ranch manager,” claiming she knows more about the ranch than “anyone I’ve ever met.” Tucker is an avid outdoorsman, loving to fish, hunt and play baseball. All four children excel in the livestock show ring, competing in local jackpot shows all the way to the North American International Livestock Exhibition in Louisville, Kentucky. Ava and Alli love attending shows with their family and helping on the ranch. The time and resources the Swindles have devoted to agriculture education, youth programs and the community have resulted in a number of accolades including: the Honorary Chapter FFA Degree from numerous FFA chapters in Hillsborough County, the Honorary State FFA Degree and the Honorary American FFA Degree. They have also received the Florida FFA Blue and Gold Award and are lifetime members of the National FFA Alumni Association.
LARRY AND DEBBIE SWINDLE AFTER BEING INDUCTED INTO THE FFA HALL OF FAME ON SEPT. 25, 2017. SURROUNDING THEM ARE DAUGHTER STEPHANIE CONRAD WITH HUSBAND, JASON, AND CHILDREN ANNA (19), MADILYN (16), SHALEE (11) AND TUCKER (9); SON JASON AND WIFE, LORI, WITH CHILDREN AVA (10) AND ALLI (5)
Larry and Debbie Swindle’s involvement in agriculture is substantial, and they have no plans to quit. Contributing their charitable lifestyle to their faith, Debbie said, “We would have nothing if it weren’t for God. Our faith is our top focus, and we thank Him every day for what we have been afforded. We’ve been blessed, and we enjoy sharing that blessing with others.” “The children are our future,” said Larry. “We have to take care of them so they understand the important role agriculture plays when it’s their turn to be the farmers, business owners and lawmakers.”
Florida agriculture has benefitted greatly because of the Swindles. FFA members are able to continue their studies in the agriculture field, knowing they have innovative resources to supplement their learning. The Swindles’ altruism is admired by many, and because of their efforts, youth in agriculture can not only enjoy, but contribute to the future of agriculture.
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Z
GENERATION
IS IN THE HOUSE
Much of the recent discussion on demographics has focused on the movement of the Millennial Generation as Baby Boomers transition into retirement. Now, the term “pig in the python” better describes the children and grandchildren of Baby Boomers, instead of the Baby Boomers as it once did. At 73 million, Generation Z, or better known as Gen Z, is slightly smaller than the preceeding Millennial Generation. The members of Gen Z were born between 1995 and 2015. And the first wave of this group is now graduating from high schools and colleges, entering the workforce, and becoming potential business partners and owners. So, what are the most productive ways to work with Gen Z? Let’s examine some of their general characteristics as compared to previous generations: First, this group prefers to work independently with no shared open workspace. This is contrasted to the Millennials, who are generally collaborators and want open office space to stimulate discussion. Millennials also stress the balance of work and life time, while Gen Z tends to value flexibility, working anytime and in any place.
Next, the members of Gen Z will be conservative financially. For most, their childhoods were influenced by the Great Recession of 2008, which helped shape their financial philosophy. In many cases, they observed their parents in an era of job cuts and they watched as retirement portfolios were cut in half. Parents, grandparents, or at least someone they knew
For most, their childhoods were influenced by the Great Recession of 2008, which helped shape their financial philosophy. lost their home to bankruptcy. And of course, some were raised in a single parent home, which commonly impacts financial freedom.
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Interestingly, another tendency of Gen Z is less of a desire or need for recognition. This could present a potential clash with the Gen X or Millennial Generations. Gen Z group does not expect a trophy just for participation, and in this regard can be more competitive and driven. In general, this segment of the population likes to create personalized job descriptions and is very good at multitasking. This group shows a leeriness of snapshot and social media dangers and will be calculated in the exposure of their personal
In some of the most impressive Gen Z members, I observed an innate knowledge of technology combined with a good work ethic and strong relational skills. information online. In addition, they prefer to work with organizations and businesses that support social causes and community service. Companies and businesses that celebrate individuality will be appealing to Gen Z workers. This emerging demographic has only known a “connected world.” Thus, they will not draw a distinction between working in an office at home, or out on a hike because they are always online. This segment will be “phigital,” or accepting digital space as an appropriate replacement for in-person meetings. In other words, from Gen Z’s view, dialing into a meeting via videoconference is no different than sitting face-toface in a boardroom. In fact, they would rather Skype
than waste time driving or delayed at an airport hub. On education, this generation will turn today’s system upside down. The old classroom lecture will become obsolete with less memorization and more challenging work assignments that include discovery. This will be a generation of problem solvers that will enjoy critical thinking. Teachers will become more like facilitators inside the concept of “blended education.” This concept will include more online instruction followed by face-to-face meetings for case study and networking. The “high tech and high touch” approach is the blend of online education and human interaction that will be so critical with this new generation. Not unlike previous generations, Gen Z will challenge the status quo, consumer trends, the workplace culture, and society in general. The aforementioned trends are an introduction to the new generation for management, board members, business owners, and the workplace. Also similar to other generations, they will be defined by the events and challenges that take place around the world during their lifetime. Through speaking events and interactions with college and university groups, 4-H, and FFA, I have already observed several Gen Z individuals in action. This generation demonstrates a curiosity and sense of engagement that will be necessary to lead businesses, classrooms, and public policy in the future. In some of the most impressive Gen Z members, I observed an innate knowledge of technology combined with a good work ethic and strong relational skills. In working with this generation, one has to keep an open mind and be ready to adopt new methods, but must also be extremely selective.
David Kohl received his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in agricultural economics from Cornell University. For 25 years, Kohl was a professor of agricultural finance and small business management and entrepreneurship in the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Va. He was on special leave with the Royal Bank of Canada working on advanced initiatives for two years, and also assisted in the launch of the successful entrepreneurship program at Cornell University. Kohl is professor emeritus in the AAEC Department at Virginia Tech.
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80-90 PERCENT OF POINSETTIA PRODUCTION IS THE STANDARD RED, BUT MANY OTHER VARIETIES EXIST TODAY.
POINSETTIAS: FROM GREENHOUSE TO GIFT EXCHANGE Poinsettias are the most popular Christmas season plant in the United States and Canada and have been for decades. The USDA reported over 50.4 million poinsettias were sold in 2014 and poinsettias accounted for almost 25 percent of all flowering potted plant sales. Florida is in the top five in the country for plants sold, coming in at 3 million. But what does it take to supply a market with such an interest in the crop? Determined and talented growers like Filip and Mikael Edstrom, active owners of Green Masters Inc. Green Masters Inc. was founded in 1981 by Lennart and Britt Edstrom. With the guidance of the previous property owners, they converted the foliage
nursery to grow potted flowers, and over the past 36 years they have expanded the operation from two and a half acres to almost eight acres.
Florida is in the top five in the country for plants sold, coming in at 3 million. “One of my father’s core values from the days he helped build hundreds of acres of production in the African wilderness in the 1960’s is KISS – Keep it CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE LEADER • WINTER 2018
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They take seven to nine weeks of short days — where we manipulate the environment to simulate night conditions for 14+ hours to get the plants to flower earlier than natural conditions.
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MIKAEL EDSTROM
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Simple Stupid,” Filip Edstrom said. “This still resonates today. The plants and systems need to work, be simple, be functional, and be flexible. This allows us to adapt more quickly to changes in the market. The challenge is: As technology changes, how do we use it and still stay true to those values? But it is really nice to check and control the temperatures of the greenhouses from home on a cold night!” Green Masters Inc. provides potted plants to Florida theme parks, resorts and garden centers. They specialize in a variety of indoor blooming plants including African Violets, Gerbera Daisies, Cyclamen,
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Rieger Begonias and more. During the summer and fall months, their focus remains on poinsettias. “Poinsettias are a short day plant. They take seven to nine weeks of short days — where we manipulate the environment to simulate night conditions for 14-plus hours to get the plants to flower earlier than natural conditions. With a touch of a button, we darken this greenhouse,” Edstrom said. This “short day” requirement along with the need for consistent sizes and colors are some of the obstacles poinsettia growers must overcome. Demand and seasonality of the crop is another concern. “If you go back years ago, Thanksgiving was a mum holiday and you did not decorate for Christmas until Dec. 1. Now, the demand comes sooner and theme parks order these plants for delivery the day after Halloween,” he said. “It’s no different than any other farmer out there. A farmer has so many acres of growing space, what’re you going to grow and how much of it? When are you going to grow it? It’s a gamble. To say the trends are interesting is an understatement. I blame a lot of my grey hair on this job, but it’s fun,” Edstrom said. Every crop has its challenges. Whether you are a cattle rancher, blueberry farmer or poinsettia grower, weather and other factors can impact production. 2017 was an exceptionally challenging year for
BROTHERS FILIP AND MIKAEL EDSTROM OF GREEN MASTERS INC.
farmers, ranchers and growers alike. Filip discussed the impact Hurricane Irma made on poinsettia production at Green Masters Inc. “Every poinsettia here rode through the storm. They were drowned and they were in the stage of their life where the roots were starting to grow and if you don’t have a healthy root system, you are not going to have the head on the plant that you need. Some varieties were more sensitive than others,” he said. “We estimate that somewhere between 25,000 to 30,000 plants were lost due to Irma.” Losing tens of thousands of any crop can be devastating, but Green Masters Inc. bounced back and they continue to have a successful season. Green Masters Inc. has successfully met the challenges they have faced and remained a leader in the potted flower industry. Without successful growers like these, our holiday events would surely be missing the striking beauty a poinsettia provides. The next time you purchase a poinsettia, remember what it takes to get that poinsettia into your hands and thank a farmer.
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We estimate that somewhere between 25,000 to 30,000 plants were lost due to Irma.
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FILIP EDSTROM
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VICE PRESIDENT PATRICK CARROL AND VICE PRESIDENT OF FINANCE AMY POMEROY
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AGRICULTURE’S RISKY BUSINESS AND FARM CREDIT’S ADVANTAGE Agriculture is a risky business: Unprecedented weather and natural disasters can devastate crop yields. Successful farmers plan accordingly with a risk management strategy. Crop insurance makes for an essential element of such strategy, as the right policy enables producers to help meet financial obligations —both business and personal. Joining the ranks of smart agribusinesses managing their risk is Clear Springs Enterprises, LLC, an 18,000-acre agricultural operation focused on cattle ranching and the production of blueberries and strawberries in Polk County, Florida. Their comprehensive vision is a unique three-pronged development plan: agriculture production, conservation and economic development. The founder, Stanford N. Phelps, is an independent thinker and the epitome of a contrarian CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
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The Whole Farm Revenue policy through Farm Credit is perfect for Florida blueberry growers in regards to the production window. If you miss it, then your revenue can suffer substantially.
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PATRICK CARROLL
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The same people who insure their cars and homes also realize it makes as much sense to insure their livelihood, and crop insurance is an ideal way to do that.
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AMY POMEROY
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and investor. In 1999, he purchased old and unwanted phosphate lands. With a vision of marrying agriculture, technology and responsible development coupled with environmental consciousness, Clear Springs was born. Patrick Carroll, Vice President of Clear Springs Enterprises, explained how key players at Clear Springs assess the value of crop insurance, “Every facet of agriculture is volatile. Farm Manager Jack Green Jr. estimates weather-dependent crop yields. Head Marketers Craig Underhill and Kyle Gashaw predict future prices based on fluctuating market conditions. Then, we estimate expected variance based on available data to measure how crop insurance helps mitigate that unpredictability. Our analysis indicates crop insurance can help protect many types of farmers from intolerable risk while simultaneously increasing food security in the United States. Risk management programs offer stability, so people can invest in growing crops, providing jobs and bolstering the agriculture industry.” People enjoy Clear Springs products as far north as Canada and as far west as Texas, but the aftereffects of Hurricane Irma on blueberry yields are still undetermined. “We’re unsure how much stress our plants experienced, and how that will affect production timing because landing in the right window is key. We have to take production delays into consideration,
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CLEAR SPRINGS EMPLOYEES IN FRONT OF PACKING HOUSE
as that could cause overlap into Georgia’s harvest time. The crop might even be early. There’s no way of knowing,” said Carroll. Rationally anticipating the worst and planning accordingly is the mark of proper risk management, and Clear Springs can attest to the benefit of doing so. “The Whole Farm Revenue policy through Farm Credit is perfect for Florida blueberry growers in regards to the production window. If you miss it, then your revenue can suffer substantially,” said Carroll. According to the USDA, Whole Farm Revenue Protection provides a risk management safety net and price support for all commodities on the farm under one insurance policy.
Farmers, ranchers and growers are also diversifying their operations to protect themselves from the inherent risks related to agricultural production. Crop insurance is one of the most costeffective tools that can help protect operations from those risks. “The same people who insure their cars and homes also realize it makes as much sense to insure their livelihood, and crop insurance is an ideal way to do that,” said Amy Pomeroy, Vice President of Finance for Clear Springs Enterprises. Farm Credit understands the risky business of agriculture and how hard farmers work to maintain
their livelihood. Relationship managers, already equipped with an extensive understanding of farm production cycles, accurately evaluate crop insurance needs of every individual operation, ultimately serving as a consultant for that operation. Crop Insurance with Farm Credit provides an unparalleled peace of mind knowing that when loss occurs, policies will align with the personalized needs of an operation. Regina Thomas, Farm Credit of Central Florida’s Director of Financially Related Services speaks to CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE LEADER • WINTER 2018
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We understand the inherent risks that come with each farming operation and their financial success is always a top priority.
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REGINA THOMAS
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the Farm Credit advantage, “We work diligently to understand every aspect of a customer’s operation when writing their policy. We obtain and analyze detailed records needed to accurately document and underwrite every policy. We understand the inherent risks that come with each farming operation and their financial success is always a top priority.” The sensitive nature of Farm Credit’s customer data makes confidentiality and cybersecurity paramount. “We take your private information very seriously and take precautionary measures to protect you. We stress that all information is safe with us,” said Thomas. Agriculture is unpredictable, but there are steps production agriculturists can take to help protect their revenue, assets and livelihood through a risk
CLEAR SPRINGS BLUEBERRY FIELDS
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management strategy with the right crop insurance product. Crop Insurance as a risk management tool means the continuity of our food production is secure, which makes American agriculture abundant and affordable. Farmers rest easy knowing a safety net for their livelihood exists and their agents are agriculture experts who take each operation’s best interest to heart. To learn more about writing your crop insurance with Farm Credit, call us at 866.245.3637 and ask to speak with Regina Thomas (rthomas@farmcreditcfl. com) or Jennifer Parrish (jparrish@farmcreditcfl.com), our knowledgeable crop insurance specialists. Or visit our website at farmcreditcfl.com.
CROP INSURANCE: THE SAFETY NET YOU NEED Patronage: Crop Insurance customers are members of a cooperative. This allows us to pay patronage dividends (profit sharing) to our eligible customers on their crop insurance policy. Coverage for your agribusiness loans: Crop insurance lowers production risks and helps protects against catastrophic losses. Confidentiality: Your confidentiality is of the upmost importance. With our top-of-the-line cybersecurity, your private information remains secure. Expertise in Agricultural Risk Management: Simply put, we know agriculture. Our in-depth working knowledge of your operation allows us to craft an accurate policy that optimizes your risk protection.
Upcoming closing dates! •
Feb. 28: Whole Farm Revenue Protection
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April 15: Citrus Fruits and Citrus Trees
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May 1: Nursery
Contact us today! Speak with your loan officer or call Jennifer Parrish at 863.904.3182.
Certain limitations, conditions, and exclusions apply. Please refer to the policy for more details.
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ASSOCIATION NEWS
NOW BLOGGING
Announcing an exciting addition to our website: a blog! Our blog highlights the diversity of Central Florida agriculture in three ways: 1. Telling the many stories of the farmers, ranchers and growers that make agriculture flourish. 2. Sharing industry news and resources, as Central Florida agriculture plays an important role in the state’s economic growth and country’s food and fiber supply. 3. Taking an insider’s look at the staff and employees who ensure Farm Credit remains a reliable and consistent source of credit and financial resource for the rural communities of Central Florida. Be on the lookout for customer features, guest posts from agricultural experts, industry and association news and much more! We’re eager to showcase Central Florida’s agricultural diversity and provide this resource to our readers, so make sure you subscribe today! Visit farmcreditcfl.com/blog for more information.
AWARD OF EXCELLENCE Heather Peterson The recipient of the Award of Excellence collaborates well with other staff, is altruistic through their actions, loyal to the company, dedicated to Farm Credit’s mission and core values and carries themselves with professionalism daily. This year, the staff chose Heather Peterson to receive this award. As our Human Resources Administrator, Heather plays many vital roles in the day-to-day office operation at Farm Credit. She coordinates and executes the onboarding for each new employee, actively recruits new faces to join our Farm Credit family and helps maintain a positive and inclusive office environment. Heather also works diligently to ensure the payroll is accurate and timely. Heather is well-deserving of this award and we are so glad she is a part of our team!
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FARM CREDIT OF CENTRAL FLORIDA CEO REGGIE HOLT PRESENTS THE AWARD OF EXCELLENCE TO HEATHER PETERSON.
ASSOCIATION NEWS
MCDONALD AND YANES APPOINTED AS REGIONAL MARKET MANAGERS David McDonald and Gayle Yanes were appointed Regional Market Managers of Farm Credit of Central Florida’s Lifestyle and Small Business market effective January 1, 2018. “These staff changes are conducive to producing sound and managed loan growth within the Association,” said Reggie Holt, CEO. “David and Gayle are deeply rooted in the industry, and we’re excited to strengthen our relationship with the Central Florida community.” David McDonald began his career with Farm Credit in 2009 as a Relationship Manager and now oversees the Lifestyle and Small Business lending unit in Brevard, Lake, Orange, Seminole and Volusia counties. McDonald attended the DuPage Horticulture School and received his bachelor’s in business administration with a specialization in accounting from the University of Central Florida. He serves on the Lake County Farm Bureau board of directors, holds a seat on the Florida Farm Bureau Tax Advisory Committee, is a Wedgeworth Leadership Institute for Ag and Natural Resources Class VI graduate and is an active member of the FNGLA Action Chapter.
Gayle Yanes has been with the Farm Credit System since 1989, and joined Farm Credit of Central Florida in 2015 before her appointment as regional marketing manager. She oversees the lifestyle, residential and small business lending units in Citrus, Hernando, Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas and Sumter counties. Yanes attended North Carolina Wesleyan College and has a Bachelor of Science in business administration and accounting. She serves on a number of committees for the Plant City Chamber of Commerce, is a member of Hillsborough County Farm Bureau and is a member of numerous community realtor associations.
THE LEADER RIGHT IN YOUR INBOX! Get instant access and stay up to date with Association and industry news, stories and events by having the Leader magazine delivered to your email inbox. To sign up for electronic access, visit farmcreditcfl.com/leader. LEADER • WINTER 2018
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ASSOCIATION NEWS
NEW HIRES Garrett Autry Garrett joined our Farm Credit family as a credit analyst! He lived in Las Cruces, New Mexico, for 10 years and graduated from New Mexico State University with a bachelor’s degree in finance and economics and a master’s degree in economics. Before Farm Credit, he worked as a graduate assistant at New Mexico State University. He graduated with honors for both degrees, and spent his time on campus working with first-generation college students. In his spare time, he enjoys hiking, swimming and cooking. On Saturdays, he loves watching college football, and you can find him rooting for the Dallas Cowboys on Sundays. His favorite Netflix Series are “Stranger Things” and “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.” He’s also reading Theodore Roosevelt’s biography.
Jeff Gofter Jeff joined the Farm Credit family as our Director of Internal Audit in September 2017. Jeff was born in Brooklyn, N.Y. and lived in Queens, N.Y. He’s also held residence in New Jersey and Massachusetts prior to moving to Florida. He received his Bachelor of Science in accounting and his Master of Business Administration in finance from St. John’s University in New York. Before Farm Credit, Jeff was an Internal Audit Consultant for various banks throughout the United States. He was the director of audit for a large community bank in Florida, senior auditor for MetLife and held many positions in retail banking. He’s a proud dad who helped his daughter train for her high school track and field team, where she qualified for the state championship! He also helped his other daughter train for the Special Olympics. Jeff enjoys attending concerts with his family, solving his family’s technology issues and is nursing his 2006 Toyota Prius, which has 200,000-plus miles. He’s a fan of the Tampa Bay Lighting and the Buccaneers.
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TJ Keller TJ joined Farm Credit of Central Florida as the risk manager in September 2017. He’s originally from Pinellas Park, Fla. and graduated from Geneva College with a bachelor’s degree in applied mathematics. Before working for Farm Credit of Central Florida, TJ was a credit risk officer at AgFirst Farm Credit Bank for six years. In his spare time, TJ enjoys gaming, watching movies and going to Disney. His favorite TV show is Sherlock, he’s traveled to Japan on a mission trip and his favorite movie is Seven Samurai.
Kerri Kilby Kerri joined Farm Credit as the credit analyst manager in August 2017. Prior to Farm Credit of Central Florida, she worked at TD Bank in various credit and operational positions within the Central and South Florida regional commercial bank. Kerri was born in Lakeland and grew up in Sarasota. After graduating from Florida State University, she moved to Atlanta for 17 years and returned to Lakeland in 2007. She has successfully managed a complex commercial loan portfolio while raising two fantastic kids: Sarah Kate, 17, and Jonathan, 21. Attending sports events is the family-favorite pastime — ranging from soccer matches to her daughter’s track and cross-country meets.
Ayled Ramos Ayled started at Farm Credit of Central Florida as the senior compliance manager in September 2017. Prior to her employment with Farm Credit of Central Florida, she was a Compliance Officer at Banco Popular de Puerto Rico in San Juan. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from
ASSOCIATION NEWS
the University of Puerto Rico, a master’s in business administration and a law degree from the Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico Law School. During her time at Banco Popular, she assisted in the re-establishment of the compliance program in Banco Popular’s sister bank, Popular Community Bank. Ayled enjoys listening to music and loves to travel. Piano is her passion, as she has been playing for 25 years. Being born and raised on an island that measures 100 X 35 miles, she loves adventuring and exploring new areas. She has traveled to Alaska, and cruised the Mediterranean. Central and South America are next on her list.
INTERNS Rachel Hall Rachel joined our Farm Credit family as a credit analyst intern in November 2017. She graduated from Citrus High School, completed her associate’s degree at Polk State and will graduate from Florida Southern with a bachelor’s in accounting this summer. Before Farm Credit, she was a contract verifier at Midflorida Financing, LLC, ensuring all paperwork was in order and customers qualified for the vehicles they were sold. She also ensured that the sales staff were properly running credit checks and filling out credit applications correctly. Rachel has a 3-year-old son, Jackson, and loves taking him to the park in her free time. Her husband is a certified scuba instructor, and they have visited Hawaii, the Bahamas, the Keys and multiple places in Florida to dive.
plans to transfer to the University of Florida to study agricultural communications and leadership development. Lacee is very active in several agricultural organizations: She was an FFA state champion and competed in the Farm Bureau discussion meet this summer. In her spare time, she enjoys being involved in Young Farmers and Ranchers, studying Parliamentary Procedure and spending time with her family. Lacee is also a Gator football fanatic.
Noel Ritchey Noel Ritchey joined our Farm Credit family as a credit analyst intern! Noel is from Auburndale and earned his bachelor’s in finance at the University of Central Florida. He is working toward his masters in finance at the University of South Florida. Before Farm Credit, he was in school and worked at Five Star Family Growers. In his spare time, he plays guitar and loves to watch sports and read. He enjoys trivia, in his words, “an unhealthy amount.” Noel regularly listens to violinist Andrew Bird, and Quentin Tarantino is his favorite movie director.
EMPLOYEE ANNIVERSARIES Anniversaries are recorded as of 8/1/17
1 Year Lacee Richardson Lacee joined Farm Credit as a marketing intern in October 2017. She’s from Lakeland, graduated from Kathleen High School in 2016 and went to Warner University to study agriculture. She
Hannah Dugger Erika Bellinger
5 Years James Lewis TJ Keller
20 Years Scott Fontenot LEADER • WINTER 2018
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Farm Credit of Central Florida P.O. Box 8009 Lakeland, FL 33802-8009
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LEADER • WINTER 2018
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
COLUMBIA SC PERMIT 1160