August 11, 2026
AgGeorgia Farm Credit is pleased to announce that Steve Leonard has joined the association as its new Chief Risk Officer (CRO). Leonard brings more than 25 years of experience in credit administration, loan structuring, portfolio management, and risk leadership, including 15 years within the Farm Credit System.
As Chief Risk Officer, Leonard will be responsible for overseeing AgGeorgia’s enterprise risk management, credit risk, regulatory compliance, and portfolio quality initiatives. Prior to joining AgGeorgia, Leonard served as Executive Vice President and Chief Credit Officer for AgSouth Farm Credit, where he directed credit analysis, appraisal, and capital markets functions while helping maintain strong portfolio quality and supporting significant growth across the organization.
Before AgSouth, Leonard spent nearly a decade with AgFirst Farm Credit Bank in Columbia, South Carolina, serving in several leadership roles including Portfolio Risk Manager and Credit Analysis Supervisor. Throughout his career, he has worked closely with senior management, boards of directors, regulators, and Farm Credit institutions to strengthen risk management practices, enhance operational efficiency, and support sound lending decisions.
“Steve’s depth of experience, strategic perspective, and commitment to sound risk management make him an outstanding addition to our executive leadership team,” said Rob Crain, Chief Executive Officer of AgGeorgia Farm Credit. “His background within the Farm Credit System and his proven ability to balance growth, portfolio quality, and customer service will help position AgGeorgia for continued success while supporting the long-term needs of our member-borrowers.”
Leonard earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance with a concentration in Economics from Central Connecticut State University and a Master of Business Administration from the University of South Carolina. He has also completed numerous Farm Credit leadership development programs and has been actively involved in Farm Credit System workgroups focused on credit, portfolio management, and risk practices.
“I’m excited to join AgGeorgia Farm Credit and be part of an organization that is deeply committed to serving agriculture and rural communities,” said Leonard. “I look forward to working alongside the AgGeorgia team to support the association’s mission, protect its financial strength, and help our members achieve their goals.”