CHS Executive and Leadership Team

Olivia Nelligan, the Executive VP, Chief Financial Officer & Chief Strategy Officer at CHS, directs the financial health and long-term strategic roadmap for the cooperative. Nelligan manages capital allocation, risk management frameworks, and investment strategies that support global agribusiness operations. By overseeing financial reporting and strategic planning, the Executive VP, Chief Financial Officer & Chief Strategy Officer ensures alignment between fiscal performance and the broader mission of connecting producers to international markets. Olivia Nelligan drives initiatives that optimize balance sheet efficiency while navigating complex commodity market fluctuations. Through rigorous oversight of corporate strategy, Nelligan strengthens the competitive position of the organization across North American and global sectors. This leadership role requires constant collaboration with the Board to maintain financial stability and support the expansion of energy and grain marketing services, ultimately securing the cooperative's future growth trajectory.

Leon Westbrock, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Crop Inputs at CHS, directs the procurement, distribution, and marketing of essential agricultural inputs. Westbrock manages the supply chain for fertilizers, crop protection products, and seed solutions that empower farmers to maximize yields. By overseeing these critical operations, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Crop Inputs ensures that producers receive timely access to high-quality resources necessary for successful harvests. Leon Westbrock drives regional growth strategies and optimizes logistics networks to maintain a reliable flow of inputs across diverse agricultural markets. Through close coordination with internal teams and external partners, Westbrock mitigates supply chain risks and enhances the overall efficiency of the crop input division. This leadership role focuses on delivering tangible value to the cooperative membership by providing competitive, high-performance products that support the long-term productivity and profitability of farming operations.

David Black, the Executive VP, Enterprise Transformation & Chief Information Officer at CHS, architects the digital infrastructure and operational modernization efforts across the enterprise. Black manages the integration of advanced data analytics and information systems to streamline grain marketing and energy distribution processes. By leading enterprise-wide transformation, the Executive VP, Enterprise Transformation & Chief Information Officer improves operational agility and decision-making capabilities for the entire cooperative. David Black oversees the deployment of scalable technology solutions that enhance supply chain visibility and efficiency for agricultural producers. Through the implementation of robust cybersecurity protocols and digital platforms, Black supports the modernization of business processes on a global scale. This role involves coordinating with other C-suite leaders to ensure that technological investments directly translate into improved service delivery and increased value for farmer-owners, effectively positioning the organization at the forefront of agribusiness innovation.

Laura Reinhardt, the Chief Operations Officer at CHS, directs the day-to-day operational execution of the cooperative's core business units, including grain marketing and energy services. Reinhardt manages the complex logistics, transportation, and facility operations that connect agricultural producers to global markets. By overseeing these foundational activities, the Chief Operations Officer ensures that the organization maintains high standards of safety, efficiency, and reliability across all business segments. Laura Reinhardt drives continuous improvement initiatives to optimize operational workflows and reduce costs within the supply chain. Through strategic oversight of regional assets and infrastructure, Reinhardt supports the seamless movement of commodities and fuel products. This leadership role involves working closely with other executives to align operational capacity with market demand, ensuring that the cooperative consistently meets the needs of its members while maintaining a strong competitive edge in the global agribusiness landscape.

Brandon Smith, the Executive VP & General Counsel at CHS, directs the legal, regulatory, and compliance frameworks governing the cooperative's global operations. Smith manages corporate governance, risk mitigation, and legal strategy to protect the interests of the organization and its farmer-owners. By overseeing complex contract negotiations and regulatory filings, the Executive VP & General Counsel ensures that all business activities adhere to international trade laws and industry standards. Brandon Smith drives the development of policies that safeguard the cooperative's reputation and operational integrity across diverse jurisdictions. Through proactive legal counsel, Smith supports the executive team in navigating mergers, acquisitions, and strategic partnerships. This leadership role requires deep expertise in agribusiness law to address the unique challenges of the energy and grain sectors, ultimately providing the legal foundation necessary for the organization to pursue its growth objectives with confidence and stability.