MFA Incorporated Announces Upcoming Retirement of CEO Ernie Verslues

Feb. 20, 2025

MFA Incorporated today announced the pending retirement of President and CEO Ernie Verslues. The planned retirement comes after a 38-year tenure at MFA and 10 years in the role of president and CEO. Verslues will continue to lead MFA until his official retirement in the fall of 2025.

“Ernie’s career at MFA has been defined by a dedication to the member owner, attention to detail and forward-looking leadership,” said Don Schlesselman, chairman of the MFA Incorporated Board of Directors. “As CEO, he was focused on organizational results and skillfully navigated the cooperative through challenges and triumphs. He’ll leave an enduring legacy.”

The MFA Board of Directors will conduct a thorough and disciplined search process in identifying the best candidate to lead the company into the future. It has engaged with FCCS, a firm with respected executive search experience.

The search process will consider both internal and external candidates to ensure a broad field of highly qualified applicants.

“Selecting the right CEO is one of the most important decisions our board can make. We are implementing a carefully considered selection process that takes into account our organization’s mission, values, challenges and future goals,” said Schlesselman.

 “Ernie’s contributions to the company have bolstered its mission. His leadership will continue to inspire and guide MFA long after his retirement,” he added.

The MFA Board of Directors is committed to ensuring a smooth transition and maintaining the organization’s performance and strategic direction and will provide updates on the CEO selection process as appropriate.

For more information, please contact Steve Fairchild at sfairchild@mfa-inc.com

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MFA is a regional farm supply and marketing cooperative serving farmers and ranchers in Missouri and surrounding states. The company’s focus is to provide products, services and expertise to help farmers succeed in today’s agriculture.