Current president/CEO Jeff Stroburg retiring Jan. 31
RALSTON —West Central’s board of directors on Oct. 29 announced their unanimous decision to name Milan Kucerak president and CEO-elect following Jeff Stroburg’s retirement at the end of the fiscal year.
Kucerak, who has served as the company’s executive vice president of dairy and animal nutrition since 2006, will be the fourth president/CEO in the cooperative’s more than 80 year history.
“Kucerak has been a trusted manager and proven leader for the producers of this cooperative since he joined West Central in 2006,” said chairwoman of the West Central board of directors Sue Tronchetti. “He brings to the organization diverse management experience, a global perspective, and a strong accounting and financial background.
“Kucerak is the right choice to lead West Central,” Tronchetti added. “We remain focused on serving our customers and stockholders and engaging our staff.”
She said Kucerak’s introduction as president and CEO, effective Feb. 1, 2015, is the result of the board’s long-term approach for developing leadership from within the company.
Beginning Nov. 1, Stroburg and Kucerak will begin an operational transition and leadership hand-off. As part of that change, Stroburg will devote his time to the unification study between West Central and Key Cooperative. Kucerak will oversee daily cooperative operations, including executive team management.
Of Stroburg’s retirement, Tronchetti said, “In his 15 year tenure, this cooperative has grown to 27 locations in 12 counties, become one of the country’s 15 largest grain companies, and established itself as an innovative leader in the biofuels industry. We thank Jeff for his service and wish him well in the future.”
