Amana Society appoints Jason Brancel chief executive officer

AMANA — Amana Society, Inc. has selected Jason Brancel the organization’s next Chief Executive Officer.

In this role, Brancel will provide strategic leadership and oversight for ASI’s diverse portfolio of businesses, which includes Amana Farms, the Service Company, Amana Meat Shop, Amana Furniture Shop, Amana Woolen Mill, the Amana General Store, Hotel Millwright, Amana Colonies Golf Course, the Amana RV Park & Event Center, Cedar Rapids Millwork and Amana Insurance.

“We are thrilled to welcome Jason to ASI as we continue to grow Amana Society businesses, work with our vendors, and support our customers’ needs,” said Stuart Geiger, chair of the Amana Society board of directors.

“Jason’s breadth and depth of experience overseeing two innovative companies will help advance our ASI businesses.”

Brancel brings extensive leadership experience from across the cooperative and agricultural sectors. Most recently, he served as President and CEO of Riceland Foods, Inc., where he collaborated with the leadership team and Board to connect strategic priorities with investment decisions.

Before that, Brancel served as president and CEO of Agfinity, Inc., an ag supply and grain marketing cooperative based in Loveland, Colorado. His background also includes roles as chief financial officer, chief operating officer, chief credit officer and consultant with the Land O’Lakes strategic asset management team.

Brancel holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin—Platteville and has completed additional executive education, including the Wharton CSO program. He has also contributed to several industry and community organizations, including the University of Missouri Graduate Institute of Cooperative Leadership board of trustees, National Council of Farmer Cooperatives board of directors, Burlington Consumers Credit Union (Chairman), and Upstate Colorado Economic Development (Director).

“It is an honor to join ASI as its next CEO, and I look forward to working with the board of directors, employee team, shareholders, and key stakeholders to fulfill the ASI mission and build a strong future together,” Brancel said.

Brancel succeeds Greg Luerkens, who is retiring. He will begin his role Jan. 12 followed by a two-week transition period.

Jason and his wife, Carmen, will relocate from Timnath, Colorado, to Eastern Iowa. He will be based in ASI’s Amana office and report directly to the board of directors.