Southern States Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

Leadership Overview

Southern States has 4 executives leading key functions including strategy, information technology, operational management, and human resources.

Committed to agricultural excellence, Southern States delivers essential farm inputs and livestock supplies while fostering sustainable growth across the regional farming community through dedicated cooperative support.

Leadership Roles at Southern States

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - John Paserba
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer - Lucas Householder
  • Chief Information Officer - Patricia Hemingway
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Lonnie Meacham
  • John Paserba - President & Chief Executive Officer

    John Paserba, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Southern States, directs the overarching strategic vision for the agricultural cooperative. Paserba manages the alignment of fertilizer, seed, and petroleum supply chains to ensure consistent availability for regional producers. By coordinating with the Board, the President & Chief Executive Officer establishes long-term growth targets that prioritize member value and market stability. John Paserba monitors the competitive landscape to refine the cooperative's approach to animal health supplies and livestock feed distribution. This leadership role involves maintaining fiscal health while expanding the reach of essential farm inputs across the United States. Through rigorous oversight of corporate initiatives, the President & Chief Executive Officer drives operational efficiency and strengthens the cooperative's position as a primary resource for modern agricultural operations. Paserba secures the future of the organization by balancing traditional farming needs with evolving industry demands.

    Lucas Householder - Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer

    Lucas Householder, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer at Southern States, executes the daily operational strategies required to maintain the cooperative's extensive supply chain. Householder manages the logistics of distributing fertilizer, seed, and livestock feed to ensure timely delivery to regional farm partners. By supervising the physical distribution networks, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer maintains high standards for service quality and inventory management. Lucas Householder coordinates with procurement teams to stabilize the flow of petroleum products and animal health supplies. This leadership role involves streamlining internal processes to reduce overhead costs while maximizing the availability of essential agricultural inputs. Through constant monitoring of regional market fluctuations, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer adapts operational workflows to meet the immediate needs of the cooperative's members. Householder drives the tactical execution of corporate policies to ensure consistent performance across all retail and distribution channels.
    Lucas Householder

    Patricia Hemingway - Chief Information Officer

    Patricia Hemingway, the Chief Information Officer at Southern States, architects the digital infrastructure supporting the cooperative's retail and supply chain networks. Hemingway oversees the integration of data systems that track inventory levels for fertilizer, seed, and pet food across various regional locations. By modernizing the technological framework, the Chief Information Officer enables seamless communication between administrative headquarters and field operations. Patricia Hemingway manages cybersecurity protocols to protect sensitive member data and operational intelligence. This role involves collaborating with other C-suite leaders to implement software solutions that optimize the procurement of animal health supplies. Through the deployment of advanced analytics, the Chief Information Officer improves decision-making processes regarding petroleum product distribution. Hemingway ensures that the technological backbone of the organization remains scalable, secure, and capable of supporting the complex logistical requirements inherent in large-scale agricultural retail and cooperative management.

    Lonnie Meacham - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Lonnie Meacham, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Southern States, directs the talent acquisition and organizational development strategies necessary to support the cooperative's workforce. Meacham oversees the recruitment of specialized personnel capable of managing complex agricultural inputs like fertilizer and livestock feed. By fostering a culture of professional growth, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the staff remains aligned with the mission of providing high-quality animal health supplies and petroleum products. Lonnie Meacham manages employee relations and performance management systems to maintain high productivity across all regional operations. This role involves collaborating with executive leadership to design compensation structures that attract top talent in the competitive agricultural sector. Through the implementation of comprehensive training programs, the Chief Human Resources Officer strengthens the internal capabilities of the organization. Meacham secures the human capital required to sustain the cooperative's long-term operational success and service excellence.

    Explore Leadership Teams in Home Improvement & Hardware Retail

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Southern States Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Southern States?
    Southern States is led by John Paserba (President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Lucas Householder (Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer) and Patricia Hemingway (Chief Information Officer).
    Who is part of Southern States’s executive team?
    The executive team of Southern States includes leaders such as John Paserba (President & Chief Executive Officer), Lucas Householder (Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer), Patricia Hemingway (Chief Information Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Southern States have?
    Southern States has 4 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Southern States’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Southern States includes roles such as President & Chief Executive Officer, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Chief Information Officer, Chief Human Resources Officer.