Executive Leadership Team

The Executive Leadership Team at 1^st Farm Credit Service plays a key role in the Association’s growth and success. Combining their individual talents and expertise creates a new approach in the direction and focus of the Association. Their focus is both internal and external.

Gary J. Ash - President/CEO

Gary J. Ash is the President/CEO of 1^st Farm Credit Services based in Normal, Illinois. He has a 30-year career with the Farm Credit System where he was named to his current position in 2006. Gary grew up on a grain and livestock farm in Iroquois County. He is a 1978 graduate of the University of Illinois and a graduate of the American Bankers Association Stonier Graduate School of Banking. Gary belongs to the Sunrise Rotary in Bloomington, serves on the “Vision of Illinois Agriculture” planning team, and is a board member for the American Red Cross of the Heartland.

Keith W. Braucht - Chief Operations Officer

Keith manages the Marketplace Delivery group which is responsible for the delivery and service of the association’s loans, leases, credit, crop insurance, appraisals, marketing and other financial services. The 32-year Farm Credit employee has served in various positions throughout Illinois and has been in his current position since 1989. He is a graduate of Western Illinois University and the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin and has completed graduate work at the University of Illinois. Keith was raised on a grain and livestock farm in western Illinois.

Jim Garvin - Chief Financial Officer

Jim is currently the Chief Financial Officer. He oversees the finance and accounting departments. He is the Chairman of the association’s Asset Liability Committee. A 25-year member of the Farm Credit System, Jim has held many positions in both district banks and associations in Kentucky, Missouri, California and Illinois. He currently serves on the governing board of the Farm Credit System Captive Insurance Company and is the Chairman of the Captive insurance Companies Investment committee. Jim graduated from St. Louis University with a Business degree with emphasis in Accounting.  He is also a graduate of the American Bankers Association Stonier Graduate School of Banking.

Terry L. Hinds - Senior Vice President

Terry L. Hinds is Senior Vice President, Business Lending and Corporate Relations.   In his current role, he is responsible for capital markets, agribusiness, trade credit, leasing, mission related investment, and corporation relations. Terry grew up on a farm in Coles County where he was very active in 4-H and the family farming operation. His family is deeply rooted in Illinois agriculture and still owns and operates the first Illinois farm the family purchased in 1848.  He is a graduate of the University of Illinois with a degree in agricultural economics and University of Wisconsin’s Graduate School of Banking.  He has spent more than 30 years in various positions with in the farm credit system including AgriBank, Farm Credit Bank of St. Louis and several Illinois farm credit associations.

Ron Homann - Risk Management Officer

Ron Homann is the Risk Management Officer, managing several components of credit operations. Ron has served in this position since mid-2006. Throughout his 30 years with Farm Credit he has previously worked in a variety of credit and credit review positions for AgriBank, FCB of St. Louis, and a Production Credit Association. He grew up in Coles County and is a graduate of the University of Illinois. The Risk Management function includes establishing credit philosophy through policy and procedures, evaluating the effectiveness of internal controls through the internal audit function, managing high risk loan accounts through a Risk Asset Unit, and monitoring credit risk and performance through portfolio management.

Robert Keller - Chief Information Officer

Robert Keller is the Chief Information Officer. In his current role, Rob is responsible for the company’s technology department, serving the Association’s 200-plus team members.  He is a member of the Association’s Executive Leadership and Technology Steering teams. Since 1989 he has also worked for the First of America Bank, the A.E. Staley Company, Illinois Power, and Anderson Financial Networks where his jobs have included: Programmer, Database Administrator, Network Administrator, Senior Technology Auditor and Technology Manager. He is a graduate of Millikin University.

Barbara Kay Stille is the Senior Vice President and General Counsel.  She oversees the legal and human resources aspects of the Association. Prior to joining 1^st Farm Credit in 2006, Barbara engaged in private practice in St. Louis and Peoria, and served in the Office of General Counsel for the Illinois Farm Bureau and Affiliated Companies. Barbara is the former Chair of the ISBA Agricultural Law Section Council, and has represented farmers and agri-businesses throughout her career. She graduated with honors from St. Louis University School of Law.