Southern States Executive and Leadership Team

John Paserba, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Southern States, directs the overarching strategic vision for the agricultural cooperative. Overseeing the distribution of fertilizer, seed, and livestock feed, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment between corporate goals and the needs of the farming community. This leadership role involves managing complex supply chains across the United States to maintain market competitiveness. By optimizing resource allocation, John Paserba directly impacts the operational efficiency of the organization. The President & Chief Executive Officer coordinates with the Board to secure long-term financial health while expanding the reach of essential farm inputs. Through rigorous oversight of product quality and service standards, Paserba maintains the reputation of the cooperative as a trusted partner for agricultural producers. This executive focus drives growth and sustains the mission of supporting regional agricultural development through consistent, high-value service delivery.

Wanda Foote, the Chief Financial Officer at Southern States, manages the fiscal health and capital allocation strategies for the cooperative. Overseeing financial reporting, budgeting, and risk management, the Chief Financial Officer ensures the stability of the organization while supporting the procurement of animal health supplies and petroleum products. This leadership role involves analyzing market trends to guide investment in infrastructure and inventory management. By maintaining rigorous financial controls, Wanda Foote directly impacts the profitability and sustainability of the cooperative. The Chief Financial Officer collaborates with other executive leaders to align capital expenditures with the broader mission of serving the agricultural community. Through precise financial planning, Foote secures the resources necessary for operational expansion and technological upgrades. This focus on fiscal discipline allows the organization to navigate volatile commodity markets while providing consistent value to members and customers across the regional footprint.

Lucas Householder, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer at Southern States, directs the daily operational activities of the cooperative. Overseeing the logistics of livestock feed, animal health supplies, and petroleum products, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer ensures that the supply chain functions with maximum efficiency. This leadership role involves managing regional distribution networks to meet the diverse needs of agricultural producers. By optimizing warehouse operations and transportation routes, Lucas Householder directly impacts the speed and reliability of product delivery. The Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer coordinates with department heads to maintain high standards of service and safety across all facilities. Through the implementation of lean operational practices, Householder drives cost reductions and improves overall productivity. This focus on operational excellence ensures that the cooperative remains a dependable partner for farmers, consistently meeting the demands of the agricultural market through robust and responsive logistics management.

Marcos Brustolin, the President at Southern States, directs the operational focus on regional agricultural services and member relations. Overseeing the delivery of specialized farm inputs, including fertilizer and seed, the President ensures that the cooperative meets the specific needs of local farming operations. This leadership role involves managing relationships with regional producers to understand and address unique agricultural challenges. By optimizing the service model for local markets, Marcos Brustolin directly impacts the satisfaction and loyalty of the cooperative membership. The President collaborates with the executive team to ensure that regional operations align with the overall mission of the organization. Through the implementation of localized service strategies, Brustolin enhances the accessibility and effectiveness of the products provided. This focus on regional engagement ensures that the cooperative remains deeply connected to the agricultural community, providing the essential support required for successful farming operations across the diverse territories served.

Patricia Hemingway, the Chief Information Officer at Southern States, architects the digital infrastructure required to support a large-scale agricultural cooperative. Overseeing the integration of data systems for inventory tracking, supply chain logistics, and customer relationship management, the Chief Information Officer ensures seamless connectivity across all retail locations. This leadership role involves implementing advanced technology solutions to streamline the distribution of fertilizer, seed, and pet food. By modernizing digital platforms, Patricia Hemingway directly impacts the efficiency of internal operations and the quality of the customer experience. The Chief Information Officer works closely with the executive team to leverage data analytics for informed decision-making regarding market demand and product availability. Through the deployment of secure and scalable IT systems, Hemingway protects the integrity of corporate data while enabling real-time visibility into the supply chain. This technological focus supports the overall mission of providing reliable agricultural inputs.

Lonnie Meacham, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Southern States, directs the talent acquisition, development, and retention strategies for the organization. Overseeing the workforce that supports the distribution of fertilizer, seed, and livestock feed, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the cooperative maintains a skilled and motivated team. This leadership role involves fostering a culture of safety and professional growth across all retail and operational sites. By implementing comprehensive training programs, Lonnie Meacham directly impacts the quality of service provided to the agricultural community. The Chief Human Resources Officer collaborates with the executive team to align human capital strategies with the broader business objectives of the cooperative. Through effective performance management and employee engagement initiatives, Meacham builds a resilient workforce capable of adapting to the evolving needs of the agricultural industry. This focus on human capital ensures that the organization retains the expertise necessary to support farmers effectively.

Jonathan Arnett, the Presidentceo at Southern States, directs the strategic initiatives focused on market expansion and brand positioning. Overseeing the development of new product lines in pet food and animal health supplies, the Presidentceo ensures that the cooperative remains competitive in the retail sector. This leadership role involves identifying emerging trends in the agricultural market to guide long-term growth strategies. By fostering partnerships with key industry stakeholders, Jonathan Arnett directly impacts the market reach and influence of the organization. The Presidentceo works with the executive team to refine the value proposition for members and customers. Through the execution of targeted marketing and sales strategies, Arnett drives revenue growth and strengthens the presence of the cooperative in the regional market. This focus on strategic development ensures that the organization continues to provide innovative solutions that meet the changing requirements of the agricultural community while maintaining a strong competitive advantage.