Amana Society Inc. has appointed Jason Brancel as chief executive officer (CEO), the organization announced this week.
Mr. Brancel will oversee the company’s portfolio of businesses, including Amana Farms, the Service Company, Amana Meat Shop, Amana Furniture Shop, Amana Woolen Mill, the Amana General Store, Hotel Millwright, Amana Colonies Golf Course, the Amana RV Park & Event Center, Cedar Rapids Millwork and Amana Insurance.
“We are thrilled to welcome Jason to ASI as we continue to grow Amana Society businesses, work with our vendors, and support our customers’ needs,” said Stuart Geiger, chair of the Amana Society Board of Directors, in a release. “Jason’s breadth and depth of experience overseeing two innovative companies will help advance our ASI businesses.”
Mr. Brancel most recently served as president and CEO of Riceland Foods Inc. He previously was president and CEO of Agfinity Inc., an agricultural supply and grain marketing cooperative based in Loveland, Colorado. His background also includes roles as chief financial officer, chief operating officer, chief credit officer and consultant with the Land O’Lakes Strategic Asset Management team.
He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville and has completed executive education including the Wharton CSO program. Mr. Brancel has served on several industry and community organizations, including the University of Missouri Graduate Institute of Cooperative Leadership Board of Trustees, National Council of Farmer Cooperatives Board of Directors, Burlington Consumers Credit Union as chairman, and Upstate Colorado Economic Development as a director.
“It is an honor to join ASI as its next CEO, and I look forward to working with the Board of Directors, employee team, shareholders, and key stakeholders to fulfill the ASI mission and build a strong future together,” Mr. Brancel said.
Mr. Brancel succeeds Greg Luerkens, who is retiring after serving in the role since 2018.
Mr. Brancel will begin his new role Jan. 12, followed by a two-week transition period. He and his wife, Carmen, will relocate from Timnath, Colorado, to Eastern Iowa. He will be based in Amana Society’s Amana office and report to the board.
