SANTA ROSA, CA (December 2010) ‐‐ American AgCredit, the nation’s 7th largest Farm Credit cooperative, announced today the promotion of three long‐time employees: Bill Rodda, Jim Rizza and Clay Popko.

Vice President Bill Rodda has been promoted to Branch Manager of the new Santa Rosa office. Bill has been working with Farm Credit since 1981, and manages both commercial and capital markets portfolios. Vice President Jim Rizza has been promoted to Regional Vice President of the Central Region. Jim began his Farm Credit Career in 1981 and has been with the St. Helena office since January of 1985, most recently serving as Branch Manager. Clay Popko was promoted to Branch Manager of the St. Helena office, where he has been a Vice President since 2003. Clay began his career with American AgCredit in 1994 working for the Santa Rosa group.

“With our expansion into Kansas and Oklahoma, we are also aiming to streamline our California operations,” said CEO Ron Carli. “Promoting seasoned staff to critical management positions will help us to better manage the Central Region and maintain good relations with our customers.”

About American AgCredit Founded in 1916, American AgCredit is part of the cooperative nationwide Farm Credit System, and is the nation’s 7th largest Farm Credit cooperative. American AgCredit specializes in providing financial services to agriculture and rural customers throughout California, Nevada, Central Kansas, and Northern Oklahoma, as well as to capital markets customers in 30 states across the nation. Financial services provided by American AgCredit include production and mortgage financing, equipment and vehicle leasing, lines of credit, and the Young, Beginning and Small farmer program. In addition, the Association provides interest‐free loans for qualifying 4‐H and FFA AgYouth programs, as well as college scholarships to young people interested in agriculture. For more information about American AgCredit’s financial services, call 800‐800‐4865 or visit the website at www.agloan.com for a listing of offices by region.
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