Wichita, KS., December 2, 2024 – AgVantis, Inc., a leading provider of technology and business services to Farm Credit Associations, is pleased to announce the appointment of Justin Schwanke as its new President and Chief Executive Officer, effective January 2025,
Mr.
Schwanke brings more than two decades of experience in technology leadership and digital transformation across the agriculture industry. Most recently, he served as Vice President of Digital Transformation at TELUS Inc., where he helped lead the digital transformation for their Agriculture & Health divisions. Prior to TELUS, he served as the Chief Technology Officer of AgVantis where he led the Technology and Operations functions. Mr. Schwanke also spent 16 years at Cargill Inc., in the Animal Protein division where he held several senior IT leadership roles and helped spearhead their technology modernization efforts globally.
“We are thrilled to welcome Justin back to AgVantis as our new CEO,” said Kevin Swayne, Chair of the AgVantis Board of Directors. “His extensive experience in digital transformation, the agriculture industry and deep understanding of our organization makes him uniquely qualified to lead AgVantis into its next chapter of growth and innovation.”
Mr. Schwanke holds a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology from Fort Hays State University and is originally from Colby, Kansas. Schwanke and his wife, Mary Beth, reside in Valley Center, KS and have four children.
“I am honored to return to AgVantis and lead this exceptional team,” said Mr. Schwanke. “Together, we will | continue to deliver innovative technology solutions that empower Farm Credit Associations to serve rural America effectively.”
The Board of Directors also extends its deepest gratitude to outgoing President and CEO, David Oles, who will retire at the end of 2024 after a distinguished 10-year tenure. Under Mr. Oles’ leadership, AgVantis achieved significant milestones, including the launch of AgVantis 2.0, a transformative initiative aimed at providing adaptable technology solutions to meet the unique needs of Farm Credit Associations.
“David’s visionary leadership and unwavering commitment have been instrumental in positioning AgVantis as a leader in our industry,” said Mr. Swayne. “We thank him for his invaluable contributions and wish him all the best in his retirement.”
AgVantis, Inc., was chartered by the Farm Credit Administration in August of 2001 under section 4.25 of the Farm Credit Act. AgVantis currently serves Farm Credit Associations located in California, Colorado, Kansas, and Oklahoma. Headquartered in Wichita, KS, AgVantis is committed to delivering innovative solutions that support the mission of Farm Credit Associations to serve rural America.