Courtney Eelman and Dan Kashdin Named Co-CEOs of AgAmerica
Longtime AgAmerica executives step into Co-CEO roles with a shared vision to strengthen the company’s nationwide reach and create better financing solutions for American farmers and ranchers.
AgAmerica has named Courtney Eelman and Dan Kashdin Co-Chief Executive Officers, entrusting two longtime members of the company’s leadership team to guide AgAmerica into its next phase of growth.
Eelman and Kashdin succeed AgAmerica founder Brian Philpot and will build on the solid foundation established over the company’s history.
Since the two began working together in August 2018, AgAmerica’s platform has originated more than $6 billion of agricultural mortgage loans. During that time, the company has expanded its brand, operational infrastructure, and experience across the agricultural credit spectrum—positioning AgAmerica well for what comes next.
That progress has not been without headwinds. Over the past two and a half years, Eelman and Kashdin have helped guide AgAmerica through challenges facing the broader farm economy and the company. Navigating those adversities required many of the same qualities AgAmerica sees every day in the farmers and ranchers it serves—resilience, adaptability, and determination.
Those shared experiences have solidified their partnership and prepared them to jointly lead AgAmerica into its next stage.
“We’ve navigated a period of significant change, and that experience has sharpened our perspective on where AgAmerica is strongest and where we have the greatest opportunity to evolve,” said Kashdin. “We’re moving forward with clarity around our priorities and a focus on creating lasting value for our clients, our capital partners, and our team.”
Building on a Solid Foundation with a Vision for the Future
This leadership transition comes at an important time for both AgAmerica and US agriculture. As producers navigate a more complex credit environment and changing economic conditions, Eelman and Kashdin will focus on advancing AgAmerica’s nationwide capabilities to connect farmers, ranchers, and rural landowners with the expertise and capital solutions needed to support resilient operations and preserve opportunities for future generations.
Eelman brings 25 years of agricultural lending experience to her role. She will focus on continuously improving AgAmerica’s operations and client experience, using technology where it can meaningfully create efficiencies while preserving the personal service that has long distinguished AgAmerica.
“Agriculture is always evolving, and our clients are constantly adapting to what’s in front of them,” said Eelman. “We need to do the same. Our goal is to ensure AgAmerica continues to provide the expertise, flexibility, and thoughtful financing solutions that help our clients make confident decisions for their operations, their land, and their future.”
Working in tandem with Eelman’s operational focus, Kashdin will draw on 25 years of capital markets and business development experience to expand the connection between the capital markets and American agriculture. His priorities include deepening relationships with capital partners and developing financing products that meet the varied needs of farmers and ranchers across the credit spectrum.
Together, their complementary expertise creates a holistic leadership structure that will advance AgAmerica’s mission and provide new opportunities for its clients and partners alike.
An Unwavering Commitment to American Farmers and Ranchers
As Co-CEOs, Eelman and Kashdin will carry forward AgAmerica’s long-standing mission of knowing the farmer, counseling the farmer, and providing financial structures that help agricultural operations thrive during changing economic conditions.
That commitment will remain central as the company evolves. AgAmerica will continue investing in its people, technology, and product offerings to make agricultural financing more efficient, flexible, and responsive to the needs of farmers, ranchers, and rural landowners.
