AgFirst Farm Credit Bank Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

AgFirst Farm Credit Bank has 9 executives leading key functions including strategy, information technology, operational scaling, marketing, and human resources.

Committed to agricultural prosperity, AgFirst Farm Credit Bank delivers essential financial solutions and educational resources to support the long-term success of farmers and rural communities across the region.

Leadership Roles at AgFirst Farm Credit Bank

  • Chief Executive Officer - Marion Harris
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Marion Harris
  • Chief Operating Officer - Deandrea Barber
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer - Brian Runkle
  • Executive VP & Chief Operating Officer - Charl Butler
  • Chief Information Officer - Michael Lehmbeck
  • Executive VP & Chief Marketing Officer - Juan Silvera
  • Chief of Staff & Transformation & Analysis Director, Solution - Thomas Boharsik
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer - Sharmequa Franklin
  • Marion Harris - Chief Executive Officer

    Marion Harris, the Chief Executive Officer at AgFirst Farm Credit Bank, directs the overarching strategic vision for this agricultural lending institution. Harris oversees the alignment of financial products with the evolving needs of farmers, ensuring that capital remains accessible for operational upgrades and property acquisitions. By coordinating with the Board, the Chief Executive Officer maintains institutional stability while navigating complex market shifts in the agricultural finance sector. This leadership role involves fostering relationships with regional associations to expand the reach of lending services. Marion Harris drives the long-term growth trajectory of the organization through disciplined risk management and capital allocation. Ultimately, the Chief Executive Officer secures the financial health of the bank, enabling consistent support for the agricultural community across the United States.
    Marion Harris

    Marion Harris - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Marion Harris, the President & Chief Executive Officer at AgFirst Farm Credit Bank, manages the executive leadership team to ensure operational excellence across all lending divisions. Harris architects the corporate strategy, focusing on the delivery of mortgage solutions and educational programs for new farmers. By overseeing the integration of financial services, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures that the bank meets the diverse requirements of rural borrowers. This position requires constant engagement with industry stakeholders to identify emerging opportunities for market expansion. Marion Harris drives the implementation of policies that uphold the mission of the organization. Through rigorous oversight of institutional performance, the President & Chief Executive Officer maintains the competitive standing of the bank within the agricultural finance landscape.
    Marion Harris

    Deandrea Barber - Chief Operating Officer

    Deandrea Barber, the Chief Operating Officer at AgFirst Farm Credit Bank, manages the internal processes that drive the efficiency of agricultural lending services. Barber oversees the daily execution of loan administration and operational workflows, ensuring that farmers receive timely support for business upgrades. By streamlining administrative functions, the Chief Operating Officer optimizes the delivery of mortgage products and educational resources. This leadership role involves coordinating with department heads to maintain high standards of service quality across the organization. Deandrea Barber drives the refinement of operational policies to enhance productivity and reduce overhead costs. Through the continuous improvement of internal systems, the Chief Operating Officer supports the overall growth objectives of the bank, ensuring that operational capacity matches the increasing demand for agricultural financial solutions.

    Brian Runkle - Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer

    Brian Runkle, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer at AgFirst Farm Credit Bank, directs the strategic logistics and supply chain of financial services. Runkle oversees the expansion of lending operations into new rural markets, ensuring that the bank effectively reaches diverse farming communities. By managing the integration of regional lending associations, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer ensures consistent service delivery and regulatory compliance. This leadership role involves analyzing market trends to adjust operational tactics for maximum impact. Brian Runkle drives the development of scalable processes that support the bank's mission of providing accessible capital. Through the oversight of complex operational frameworks, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer ensures that the organization remains a reliable partner for farmers seeking to upgrade or expand operations.

    Charl Butler - Executive VP & Chief Operating Officer

    Charl Butler, the Executive VP & Chief Operating Officer at AgFirst Farm Credit Bank, manages the risk assessment and credit quality frameworks for the lending portfolio. Butler oversees the implementation of underwriting standards that protect the bank while providing necessary capital to farmers. By monitoring the performance of loan products, the Executive VP & Chief Operating Officer ensures that the organization maintains a healthy balance sheet. This leadership role involves collaborating with regional teams to standardize credit processes and improve loan turnaround times. Charl Butler drives the adoption of best practices in risk management to support the bank's stability. Through the oversight of credit operations, the Executive VP & Chief Operating Officer ensures that the bank continues to provide reliable financial solutions to the agricultural sector.

    Michael Lehmbeck - Chief Information Officer

    Michael Lehmbeck, the Chief Information Officer at AgFirst Farm Credit Bank, directs the technological infrastructure supporting all agricultural lending operations. Lehmbeck architects secure digital platforms that facilitate loan processing and mortgage management for farmers. By overseeing the modernization of data systems, the Chief Information Officer ensures that the bank maintains high levels of efficiency and cybersecurity. This leadership role involves collaborating with other C-suite members to integrate advanced analytics into the decision-making process. Michael Lehmbeck drives the digital transformation of the organization, enabling seamless service delivery across the regional footprint. Through the implementation of robust IT strategies, the Chief Information Officer supports the scalability of the business model, ensuring that technological capabilities align with the evolving demands of the agricultural finance industry.

    Juan Silvera - Executive VP & Chief Marketing Officer

    Juan Silvera, the Executive VP & Chief Marketing Officer at AgFirst Farm Credit Bank, directs the brand strategy and market positioning of the organization. Silvera oversees the development of outreach programs that connect farmers with essential loan products and educational classes. By crafting targeted communication campaigns, the Executive VP & Chief Marketing Officer ensures that the bank effectively communicates the value of its financial services to the agricultural sector. This leadership role involves analyzing customer feedback to refine marketing initiatives and improve engagement. Juan Silvera drives the growth of the client base through strategic brand awareness efforts. Through the management of marketing channels, the Executive VP & Chief Marketing Officer supports the bank's mission to empower rural businesses, ensuring that the organization remains the preferred choice for agricultural financing.
    Juan Silvera

    Thomas Boharsik - Chief of Staff & Transformation & Analysis Director, Solution

    Thomas Boharsik, the Chief of Staff & Transformation & Analysis Director, Solution at AgFirst Farm Credit Bank, directs the strategic analysis of organizational performance. Boharsik oversees the transformation initiatives that align internal processes with the long-term goals of the bank. By managing complex data analysis, the Chief of Staff & Transformation & Analysis Director, Solution provides the executive team with actionable insights for decision-making. This leadership role involves coordinating cross-functional projects to ensure that business solutions are implemented effectively. Thomas Boharsik drives the optimization of organizational structures to improve agility and responsiveness. Through the rigorous evaluation of business outcomes, the Chief of Staff & Transformation & Analysis Director, Solution supports the bank's mission of providing sustainable financial support to the agricultural community.

    Sharmequa Franklin - Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer

    Sharmequa Franklin, the Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer at AgFirst Farm Credit Bank, directs the talent acquisition and organizational development strategies. Franklin oversees the cultivation of a workforce capable of supporting the complex needs of agricultural lending. By managing employee engagement and professional development programs, the Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the bank retains top-tier talent. This leadership role involves aligning human capital strategies with the overall business objectives of the organization. Sharmequa Franklin drives the creation of a corporate culture that values innovation and service excellence. Through the management of human resources, the Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer supports the bank's mission, ensuring that the team remains equipped to provide high-quality financial services to farmers.
    Sharmequa Franklin

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding AgFirst Farm Credit Bank Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads AgFirst Farm Credit Bank?
    AgFirst Farm Credit Bank is led by Marion Harris (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Marion Harris (President & Chief Executive Officer) and Deandrea Barber (Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of AgFirst Farm Credit Bank’s executive team?
    The executive team of AgFirst Farm Credit Bank includes leaders such as Marion Harris (Chief Executive Officer), Marion Harris (President & Chief Executive Officer), Deandrea Barber (Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does AgFirst Farm Credit Bank have?
    AgFirst Farm Credit Bank has 9 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in AgFirst Farm Credit Bank’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of AgFirst Farm Credit Bank includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Executive VP & Chief Operating Officer.