Palmetto Agribusiness Council names new CEO
October 5, 2016
Palmetto Agribusiness Council (PABC) has announced the selection of Ronald L. Summers as the new Chief Executive Officer. He will succeed current CEO Cathy Novinger, who is leaving the organization at the end of this year.
Summers, who serves as AgSouth Farm Credit’s South Carolina Regional President, will assume the new role January 1, 2017. His background includes extensive agribusiness experience, having been with Farm Credit over 35 years as a loan officer, credit manager, branch manager and commercial lending unit manager.
“It is an honor to be chosen to lead this organization” Summers commented. “As a Board member and former Chairman, I have seen firsthand the impact PABC has made in helping sustain the economic viability of South Carolina’s largest industry – agribusiness. I plan to continue the success and effectiveness this organization has experienced under Cathy’s guidance, who has served as PABC’s first CEO for 16 years.”
A Clemson University graduate with a BS degree in agriculture, Summers is also a graduate of the Georgia Southern Agribusiness School, the University of South Carolina Banking School and a three-year participant in the National Farm Credit Leadership Development program.
A native of the Branchville area of South Carolina, Summers grew up on a farm and still resides there. Active in agribusiness associations and his community, Summers has served in numerous leadership roles including, Chairman and board member of PABC and President of SC Advocates for Agriculture. He also serves on the board of the Clemson Timberland Legacy Program, the SC 4H Foundation and the SC State University Business School.
Outgoing CEO Novinger said she is confident that Summers will be an asset as CEO. “With his financial background and work with various farm and forestry organizations, Ronnie understands this industry and its issues” she said. “I know that with his leadership, PABC will continue to make a positive impact on the agribusiness industry.”
PABC represents some of South Carolina’s largest employers, working to increase the economic impact of agribusiness, which contributes $41.7 million to the state’s economy and provides over 200,000 jobs.
