CoBank Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

CoBank has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, finance, administration, technology, human resources, and regional market management.

Committed to supporting rural infrastructure and agribusiness, CoBank delivers essential financial solutions to strengthen the economic vitality of communities across the United States through a cooperative banking model.

Leadership Roles at CoBank

  • Chief Executive Officer - Thomas Halverson
  • Chief Financial Officer - David Burlage
  • Chief Operating Officer - Andrew Jacob
  • President, Farm Credit Leasing - Michael Romanowski
  • Interim President, Farm Credit Leasing - Daniel Shepard
  • Regional President - Marcus Wilhelm
  • President - Eric Itambo
  • District Chief of Staff - Charlie Diamond
  • Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer - Kavita Rao
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Deboleena Bose
  • Thomas Halverson - Chief Executive Officer

    Thomas Halverson, the Chief Executive Officer at CoBank, directs the overarching strategic vision for the organization. Halverson manages the alignment of financial services with the needs of rural agribusinesses and infrastructure providers across all 50 states. By overseeing the executive leadership team, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that the bank maintains its cooperative mission while navigating complex national economic landscapes. This leadership role involves constant engagement with the Board to refine long-term growth objectives and risk management protocols. Thomas Halverson drives the expansion of credit facilities and export financing initiatives that support the stability of rural power, water, and communications sectors. Through rigorous oversight of institutional performance, the Chief Executive Officer secures the financial health of the bank. Ultimately, Halverson fosters a culture of operational excellence that sustains the competitive position of the institution within the national banking sector.

    David Burlage - Chief Financial Officer

    David Burlage, the Chief Financial Officer at CoBank, directs the financial planning, reporting, and capital management functions of the institution. Burlage oversees the balance sheet and liquidity strategies that enable the bank to provide consistent financing to rural communications and agribusiness sectors. By managing the fiscal health of the organization, the Chief Financial Officer ensures compliance with regulatory requirements while optimizing capital allocation for long-term stability. This leadership role involves close collaboration with the Board to communicate financial performance and strategic investment opportunities. David Burlage drives the development of robust financial models that support the bank's national reach and diverse service portfolio. Through precise management of assets and liabilities, the Chief Financial Officer protects the interests of the cooperative members. Ultimately, Burlage maintains the financial rigor required to support the essential infrastructure projects that define the bank's market impact.
    David Burlage

    Andrew Jacob - Chief Operating Officer

    Andrew Jacob, the Chief Operating Officer at CoBank, executes the daily operational strategies required to support rural industries. Jacob manages the internal processes that facilitate loan processing, lease administration, and export financing services for agribusiness clients. By optimizing workflows across the organization, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that service delivery remains efficient and responsive to the unique demands of rural power and water providers. This leadership role involves coordinating with other C-suite members to integrate operational improvements with broader corporate goals. Andrew Jacob drives the implementation of scalable systems that enhance the bank's capacity to serve diverse markets across the United States. Through meticulous attention to operational risk and process integrity, the Chief Operating Officer maintains the high standards expected of a national cooperative bank. Ultimately, Jacob strengthens the internal infrastructure necessary for sustained growth and reliable client support.
    Andrew Jacob

    Michael Romanowski - President, Farm Credit Leasing

    Michael Romanowski, the President, Farm Credit Leasing at CoBank, directs the specialized leasing operations that support agribusiness and rural infrastructure. Romanowski manages the portfolio of equipment and facility leases that provide essential capital to rural clients. By overseeing the development of leasing products, the President, Farm Credit Leasing ensures that the bank offers flexible financial solutions tailored to the specific needs of the agricultural sector. This leadership role involves coordinating with regional teams to expand the reach of leasing services across the United States. Michael Romanowski drives the growth of the leasing division by identifying new market opportunities and maintaining strong client relationships. Through the management of credit risk and asset performance, the President, Farm Credit Leasing secures the profitability of the leasing portfolio. Ultimately, Romanowski provides the financial tools that enable rural businesses to modernize their operations and improve efficiency.

    Daniel Shepard - Interim President, Farm Credit Leasing

    Daniel Shepard, the Interim President, Farm Credit Leasing at CoBank, manages the operational continuity and strategic direction of the leasing division. Shepard oversees the day-to-day administration of equipment leasing programs that serve rural power and communications providers. By maintaining the stability of the leasing portfolio, the Interim President, Farm Credit Leasing ensures that clients continue to receive uninterrupted financial support for their infrastructure projects. This leadership role involves collaborating with the broader executive team to align leasing activities with the bank's overall risk management and growth strategies. Daniel Shepard drives the execution of current leasing initiatives while preparing the division for future market shifts. Through the oversight of client service standards and operational workflows, the Interim President, Farm Credit Leasing maintains the reputation of the bank as a reliable partner in rural finance. Ultimately, Shepard ensures the seamless delivery of leasing services during this transition period.

    Marcus Wilhelm - Regional President

    Marcus Wilhelm, the Regional President at CoBank, directs the market engagement and client relationship strategies within a designated geographic territory. Wilhelm manages the delivery of loans, leases, and financial services to agribusinesses and rural infrastructure providers in the region. By overseeing local market initiatives, the Regional President ensures that the bank's national resources are effectively applied to meet the specific needs of rural communities. This leadership role involves building strong partnerships with local cooperatives and industry stakeholders to drive business development. Marcus Wilhelm drives the expansion of the bank's regional footprint by identifying emerging opportunities in the power and water sectors. Through the management of regional credit portfolios, the Regional President maintains the quality and growth of the bank's assets. Ultimately, Wilhelm serves as the primary representative of the bank's mission, ensuring that rural clients receive the financial support necessary for their success.

    Eric Itambo - President

    Eric Itambo, the President at CoBank, directs the strategic execution of core banking functions and business development initiatives. Itambo manages the operational teams responsible for delivering financial services to the bank's diverse client base across rural America. By overseeing the implementation of growth strategies, the President ensures that the bank remains responsive to the evolving needs of agribusinesses and rural infrastructure providers. This leadership role involves coordinating with other executives to optimize service delivery and enhance the bank's competitive advantage. Eric Itambo drives the development of new financial products that address the unique challenges faced by rural power and communications sectors. Through the management of key client relationships and operational performance, the President supports the overall mission of the institution. Ultimately, Itambo fosters the operational excellence required to maintain the bank's position as a leader in rural financial services.
    Eric Itambo

    Charlie Diamond - District Chief of Staff

    Charlie Diamond, the District Chief of Staff at CoBank, coordinates the administrative and strategic priorities of the executive office. Diamond manages the flow of information and decision-making processes that connect the leadership team with the broader organizational goals. By facilitating communication across departments, the District Chief of Staff ensures that the bank's initiatives regarding rural water and power financing remain aligned with corporate objectives. This leadership role involves managing high-level projects that require cross-functional cooperation and executive oversight. Charlie Diamond drives the efficiency of the executive office by streamlining administrative workflows and prioritizing critical business issues. Through the management of internal governance and strategic planning cycles, the District Chief of Staff supports the overall effectiveness of the leadership team. Ultimately, Diamond ensures that the executive office functions as a cohesive unit to advance the mission of the bank across all 50 states.

    Kavita Rao - Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer

    Kavita Rao, the Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer at CoBank, architects the digital infrastructure and technology strategy for the bank. Rao manages the cybersecurity, data analytics, and information systems that support the delivery of financial services to rural agribusinesses. By overseeing the modernization of banking platforms, the Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer ensures that the institution remains competitive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. This leadership role involves integrating advanced technology solutions with the bank's core lending and leasing operations. Kavita Rao drives the adoption of secure, scalable systems that enhance the user experience for clients across the United States. Through the strategic deployment of IT resources, the Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer mitigates operational risks and improves data accessibility. Ultimately, Rao provides the technological foundation necessary for the bank to deliver reliable financial services to rural communities.

    Deboleena Bose - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Deboleena Bose, the Chief Human Resources Officer at CoBank, directs the talent management, organizational development, and employee engagement strategies. Bose manages the recruitment and retention of professionals who support the bank's mission in rural power, water, and communications sectors. By overseeing the design of compensation and benefits programs, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the organization attracts the expertise required to maintain its national market position. This leadership role involves fostering a culture of inclusion and professional growth that aligns with the cooperative values of the bank. Deboleena Bose drives the implementation of training initiatives that enhance the capabilities of the workforce. Through the strategic management of human capital, the Chief Human Resources Officer supports the overall productivity and morale of the organization. Ultimately, Bose builds the organizational strength necessary to sustain the bank's long-term commitment to rural America.
    Deboleena Bose

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding CoBank Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads CoBank?
    CoBank is led by Thomas Halverson (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as David Burlage (Chief Financial Officer) and Andrew Jacob (Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of CoBank’s executive team?
    The executive team of CoBank includes leaders such as Thomas Halverson (Chief Executive Officer), David Burlage (Chief Financial Officer), Andrew Jacob (Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does CoBank have?
    CoBank has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in CoBank’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of CoBank includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, President, Farm Credit Leasing, Interim President, Farm Credit Leasing.