From the President:
Last week I announced changes to the Illinois Farm Bureau (IFB) management structure. As we prepare for the future implementation of the Organizational Member Strategy (OMS) and upcoming retirements on the Management Team, the new management structure will position the IFB to maintain our effectiveness with current programs and provide accountability as we begin implementing recommendations from the Board for the OMS. The changes include adding a new position to the Management team.
The changes to Management Team include:
- Chris Magnuson will retire on May 30, 2023. After Chris retires, the Division Head role will be redefined as the Chief Strategy Officer and Assistant to the President and will no longer include oversight of News and Communications.
- Mark Gebhards will move to Chief Strategy Officer and Assistant to the President effective August 1, 2023.
- The News and Communications division will merge with the MSPR Marketing department and form a new Marketing and Communications division, creating an additional Division Head position.
- Mike Hodge will retire on June 30, 2023. This Division Head role will be redefined as the Executive Director, Field & Member Services.
As a result of these changes, three Division Head opportunities will be posted:
- Executive Director, Marketing & Communications (2/27/23)
- Executive Director, Field & Member Services (2/27/23)
- Executive Director, Governmental Affairs & Commodities (TBD)
These are significant changes for the organization - both from a personnel and structure perspective. But we knew these retirements were on the horizon and have planned accordingly. Brian and I are confident in the plan moving forward. We have good talent in our organization. This will create opportunities for advancement. I'm excited to see what the next several months bring forward.