#United States #Washington #Farmer Mac #CEO Transition #Bradford Nordholm

Farmer Mac Announces CEO Transition

On September 25, 2025, Farmer Mac, officially known as the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation, declared significant leadership changes within its organization. This announcement coincides with the planned retirement of its current Chief Executive Officer, Bradford T. Nordholm, on March 31, 2027. The transition signifies a new phase for Farmer Mac, highlighting its commitment to the mission of supporting American agriculture and rural infrastructure.

New Leadership Structure

Immediate changes will see Zachary N. Carpenter, who currently serves as the Executive Vice President and Chief Business Officer, appointed as the President and Chief Operating Officer. Effective immediately, he will take on expanded responsibilities and is set to succeed Mr. Nordholm as CEO upon his retirement. This strategic move comes after a year-long evaluation process where the Board of Directors sought to find the ideal profile for Farmer Mac's next leader.

Mr. Nordholm has led Farmer Mac since October 2018, during which time he dramatically enhanced the company's mission to improve economic prosperity across rural America. Under his leadership, the organization not only doubled its annual earnings but also expanded its business volume to over $30 billion. Furthermore, Farmer Mac has consistently provided strong shareholder returns, characterized by unwavering earnings growth and operational momentum.

The Selection Process for New CEO

The Board of Directors conducted an extensive internal and external search to identify Mr. Carpenter as the optimal candidate for the CEO role. His prior experience includes roles at Johnson & Johnson, Goldman Sachs, and CoBank, which have contributed to a diverse and comprehensive background in finance and business strategy. Known for his pivotal role in diversifying Farmer Mac's loan portfolio, Mr. Carpenter has significantly contributed to the company's ability to support newer sectors including Renewable Energy and Broadband Infrastructure.

The expansion into these markets has increased Farmer Mac's reach and impact in the communities it serves, providing vital liquidity even amid fluctuating economic conditions. This strategic growth is centered around enhancing access to essential services for rural populations, thereby fostering stability and economic opportunity in these areas.

Future Prospects

Mr. Nordholm expressed confidence in Mr. Carpenter's abilities and vision for the future of Farmer Mac. He praised Mr. Carpenter’s achievements in building new business lines and developing robust customer relationships. As Mr. Carpenter transitions into the CEO role, he reaffirmed his dedication to continuing the progress made under Nordholm's leadership.

“I am honored to be selected to be the President and Chief Operating Officer of Farmer Mac,” said Carpenter. He emphasized his commitment to accelerating opportunities for rural America, reinforcing partnerships, and delivering critical services to the agricultural and rural sectors while also providing long-term shareholder value.

About Farmer Mac

Farmer Mac plays an essential role as a secondary market provider, enhancing the availability of financing needed for U.S. agriculture and rural infrastructure. Through diverse financial solutions, the organization supports growth and liquidity among agricultural businesses, agribusinesses, renewable energy, and rural broadband sectors. Their efforts aim to improve financial accessibility for underserved communities.

For those interested in learning more about Farmer Mac, further information can be found at www.farmermac.com. This pivotal change in leadership taps into the potential for a fruitful future that aligns with the organization's mission of empowering rural America.