Southern States Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

Southern States has 9 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, operations, information technology, human resources, and market development.

Driven by cooperative principles, Southern States is dedicated to empowering agricultural producers through essential farm inputs and expert support, fostering sustainable growth and community prosperity across its operational regions.

Leadership Roles at Southern States

  • Chief Executive Officer - Steve Becraft
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - John Paserba
  • Chief Financial Officer - Wanda Foote
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer - Tommy Didlake
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer - Lucas Householder
  • President - Marcos Brustolin
  • Chief Information Officer - Patricia Hemingway
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Lonnie Meacham
  • Presidentceo - Jonathan Arnett
  • Steve Becraft - Chief Executive Officer

    Steve Becraft, the Chief Executive Officer at Southern States, directs the cooperative's overarching strategy and operational execution. Becraft guides the organization's commitment to providing essential farm inputs, including fertilizer, seed, and livestock feed, directly supporting agricultural producers. This leadership role involves fostering strong relationships with member farmers and ensuring the company's continued growth and market relevance. By focusing on innovation and member value, Steve Becraft drives the cooperative's mission to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability. The Chief Executive Officer's vision shapes the company's long-term objectives and its impact on the agricultural sector.

    John Paserba - President & Chief Executive Officer

    John Paserba, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Southern States, spearheads the cooperative's strategic direction and executive leadership. Paserba oversees the delivery of a comprehensive suite of farm inputs, encompassing fertilizer, seed, livestock feed, and petroleum products, crucial for agricultural operations. This position demands a deep understanding of the agricultural market and a commitment to member success. By championing operational excellence, John Paserba ensures Southern States effectively serves its member base and strengthens its position within the agricultural cooperative landscape. The President & Chief Executive Officer's leadership is central to maintaining the cooperative's core values and expanding its service offerings.

    Wanda Foote - Chief Financial Officer

    Wanda Foote, the Chief Financial Officer at Southern States, directs the company's financial planning, reporting, and fiscal management. Foote oversees the financial operations supporting the broad range of farm inputs, including fertilizer, seed, and livestock feed, ensuring fiscal responsibility and strategic resource allocation. This position is vital for maintaining the financial health of the cooperative and supporting its member services. By implementing sound financial controls and strategies, Wanda Foote ensures the long-term viability and growth of Southern States. The Chief Financial Officer's expertise is fundamental to the cooperative's ability to invest in its members and operations.

    Tommy Didlake - Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    Tommy Didlake, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at Southern States, directs the cooperative's financial strategy and oversight. Didlake manages the financial aspects supporting the extensive range of farm inputs, including fertilizer, seed, and animal health supplies, ensuring robust financial health and strategic investment. This role is paramount in guiding the cooperative's fiscal performance and resource allocation to maximize member value. Through diligent financial stewardship and strategic planning, Tommy Didlake reinforces Southern States' commitment to stability and growth. The Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer's leadership ensures the cooperative's financial resilience and capacity for future development.
    Tommy Didlake

    Lucas Householder - Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer

    Lucas Householder, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer at Southern States, manages the day-to-day operational activities and supply chain logistics for the cooperative. Householder oversees the efficient distribution of farm inputs, such as fertilizer, seed, livestock feed, and petroleum products, ensuring timely delivery to agricultural producers. This role is essential for optimizing operational performance and maintaining high service levels across all business segments. By driving operational improvements and streamlining processes, Lucas Householder enhances the cooperative's capacity to serve its members effectively. The Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer's leadership ensures the smooth functioning of all operational facets.
    Lucas Householder

    Marcos Brustolin - President

    Marcos Brustolin, the President at Southern States, directs strategic initiatives and market engagement for the cooperative. Brustolin oversees the delivery of essential farm inputs, such as fertilizer, seed, and pet food, ensuring that the cooperative effectively meets the evolving demands of its member base. This leadership position is key to fostering strong member relationships and driving business development. By championing innovation and operational excellence, Marcos Brustolin enhances Southern States' ability to provide value and support agricultural producers. The President's focus on strategic partnerships and market responsiveness strengthens the cooperative's overall impact.

    Patricia Hemingway - Chief Information Officer

    Patricia Hemingway, the Chief Information Officer at Southern States, architects the company's technology strategy and digital infrastructure. Hemingway oversees the implementation and management of IT systems that support the distribution of farm inputs, including fertilizer, seed, and livestock feed, across the cooperative's network. This role is critical for enhancing operational efficiency and providing members with seamless access to products and services. By driving technological advancements, Patricia Hemingway ensures that Southern States maintains a competitive edge through robust data management and secure digital platforms. The Chief Information Officer's focus on innovation supports the cooperative's mission of empowering agricultural producers.

    Lonnie Meacham - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Lonnie Meacham, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Southern States, leads the company's human capital strategy and talent management initiatives. Meacham oversees the development and implementation of HR policies that support the workforce responsible for providing essential farm inputs, including fertilizer, seed, and livestock feed. This position is critical for attracting, retaining, and developing a skilled team dedicated to serving agricultural producers. By fostering a positive and productive work environment, Lonnie Meacham ensures that Southern States has the talent necessary to achieve its cooperative goals. The Chief Human Resources Officer's focus on employee well-being and development is integral to the organization's success.

    Jonathan Arnett - Presidentceo

    Jonathan Arnett, the Presidentceo at Southern States, leads the cooperative with a focus on strategic growth and market expansion. Arnett oversees the provision of critical farm inputs, including fertilizer, seed, and livestock feed, ensuring alignment with the needs of agricultural producers. This dual role emphasizes a comprehensive approach to leadership, integrating strategic vision with operational oversight. By driving initiatives that enhance member value and operational efficiency, Jonathan Arnett positions Southern States for sustained success in the agricultural sector. The Presidentceo's leadership is instrumental in navigating market dynamics and fostering cooperative strength.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Southern States Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Southern States?
    Southern States is led by Steve Becraft (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as John Paserba (President & Chief Executive Officer) and Wanda Foote (Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of Southern States’s executive team?
    The executive team of Southern States includes leaders such as Steve Becraft (Chief Executive Officer), John Paserba (President & Chief Executive Officer), Wanda Foote (Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Southern States have?
    Southern States has 9 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 Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer.