Southern States Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Southern States has 8 executives leading key functions including strategy, information technology, finance, operations, human resources, and market development.

Driven by a commitment to agricultural excellence, Southern States provides essential farm inputs and petroleum products, fostering growth and sustainability across the region.

Leadership Roles at Southern States

  • 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
  • John Paserba - President & Chief Executive Officer

    John Paserba, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Southern States, directs the overall strategic vision and operational execution for the agricultural cooperative. Overseeing all facets of the business, Paserba ensures alignment with the company's mission to provide essential farm inputs and petroleum products to its members. This leadership role involves driving market expansion and optimizing resource allocation across all departments. By fostering strong relationships with stakeholders and guiding long-term planning, John Paserba secures the cooperative's continued success and its vital role in supporting regional agriculture. The President & Chief Executive Officer's focus remains on enhancing member value and driving sustainable growth through innovative solutions and efficient operations.

    Wanda Foote - Chief Financial Officer

    Wanda Foote, the Chief Financial Officer at Southern States, manages the financial health and strategic fiscal planning for the agricultural cooperative. Overseeing all financial operations, Foote ensures robust accounting practices, accurate financial reporting, and effective budget management for fertilizer, seed, and feed distribution. This leadership position involves securing financial stability, optimizing capital allocation, and driving profitability across all business segments. By providing critical financial insights, Wanda Foote supports the company's mission to deliver value to its members. The Chief Financial Officer's expertise is essential for navigating market fluctuations and ensuring the long-term economic viability of the cooperative's extensive product offerings.

    Tommy Didlake - Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    Tommy Didlake, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at Southern States, collaborates on the financial strategy and oversight of the agricultural cooperative. Overseeing key financial functions, Didlake supports the management of assets, liabilities, and equity, ensuring fiscal discipline across the distribution of fertilizer, seed, and livestock feed. This role involves contributing to financial forecasting, risk management, and the implementation of sound financial policies. By partnering with the Chief Financial Officer, Tommy Didlake reinforces the cooperative's commitment to financial integrity and member value. The Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer's contributions are vital for maintaining operational efficiency and supporting strategic growth initiatives.
    Tommy Didlake

    Lucas Householder - Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer

    Lucas Householder, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer at Southern States, directs the day-to-day operational activities of the agricultural cooperative. Overseeing the supply chain, logistics, and distribution networks, Householder ensures the efficient delivery of farm inputs, including fertilizer, seed, and petroleum products. This leadership position involves optimizing operational processes, managing inventory, and enhancing service delivery to members. By driving operational excellence, Lucas Householder supports the company's mission to provide essential agricultural supplies reliably. The Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer's focus is on streamlining operations and maximizing efficiency across all distribution channels.
    Lucas Householder

    Marcos Brustolin - President

    Marcos Brustolin, the President at Southern States, directs key strategic initiatives and operational oversight for the agricultural cooperative. Overseeing specific business units, Brustolin ensures the efficient delivery of a diverse range of farm inputs, such as fertilizer, seed, and animal health supplies. This leadership position involves driving performance metrics, enhancing market penetration, and fostering collaborative relationships across departments. By focusing on strategic growth, Marcos Brustolin supports the company's mission to provide essential agricultural products. The President's role is critical in optimizing resource deployment and ensuring the cooperative meets the evolving needs of its members.

    Patricia Hemingway - Chief Information Officer

    Patricia Hemingway, the Chief Information Officer at Southern States, architects and executes the technology strategy that underpins the cooperative's operations. Overseeing all information systems, Hemingway ensures the seamless integration of digital solutions for farm inputs, livestock feed, and petroleum product distribution. This critical role involves managing data security, enhancing IT infrastructure, and driving digital transformation initiatives to improve operational efficiency and member experience. By championing technological advancements, Patricia Hemingway supports the company's commitment to providing a wide range of agricultural supplies. The Chief Information Officer's efforts directly contribute to streamlining supply chains and enhancing the accessibility of essential products for farmers across the region.

    Lonnie Meacham - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Lonnie Meacham, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Southern States, leads the strategic development and execution of human capital initiatives for the agricultural cooperative. Overseeing talent acquisition, employee development, and organizational culture, Meacham ensures a skilled and motivated workforce to support the distribution of farm inputs and petroleum products. This role involves fostering a positive work environment, managing compensation and benefits, and ensuring compliance with labor laws. By championing employee engagement, Lonnie Meacham contributes to the cooperative's operational success and its commitment to member service. The Chief Human Resources Officer's expertise is crucial for attracting and retaining talent vital to the company's mission.

    Jonathan Arnett - Presidentceo

    Jonathan Arnett, the Presidentceo at Southern States, drives the overarching strategic direction and executive leadership for the agricultural cooperative. Overseeing all major business functions, Arnett ensures the effective provision of farm inputs, including fertilizer, seed, and livestock feed, alongside petroleum products. This pivotal role involves guiding market strategy, fostering innovation, and ensuring the cooperative's sustained growth and member satisfaction. By championing the company's core values, Jonathan Arnett reinforces its commitment to supporting regional agriculture. The Presidentceo's leadership is instrumental in navigating market dynamics and maintaining the cooperative's strong position in the agricultural supply sector.

    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 Wanda Foote (Chief Financial Officer) and Tommy Didlake (Executive Vice President & Chief Financial 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), Wanda Foote (Chief Financial Officer), Tommy Didlake (Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Southern States have?
    Southern States has 8 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, Chief Financial Officer, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, President.