Steven K. Ferguson 515-***-****

*** *** **. #***

Des Moines, Iowa 50309

ad259q@r.postjobfree.com

Executive Program and Relationship Manager

Strategic Market Planning / Revenue Growth / Engaging Presentations / Operational Efficiencies

Collaborator with Educational and Financial Institutions / Diverse Products and Services

Dedicated, versatile executive with extensive achievements establishing and directing strategic marketing and outreach initiatives in diverse environments. Genuine, attentive, and client-focused leader with talent for deeply understanding and delivering upon client goals. Excellent record of success creating and executing programs, establishing and developing client relationships, navigating complex regulatory requirements, and contributing to organizational outcomes.

Areas of Expertise

Strategic Planning / Implementation

New Business Development

Client Relationship Management

Program and Project Management

Sales and Marketing Strategy

Team Building and Leadership

Operations Management

International Marketing

Legislative Advocacy

Professional Experience

Iowa Finance Authority / Iowa Agricultural Development Authority – Des Moines, Iowa

IADA Executive Director / IFA Program and Marketing Specialist (2012 to Present)

Appointed by Iowa Governor to direct agency’s loans and tax credits for Iowa beginning farmers. (2013 IADA merged with IFA)

Grow program through oversight of congressional and legislative advocacy and public outreach delivering presentations to a wide range of constituents. Recommend loan applications for acceptance to Board of Directors and Servicing.

Selected Contributions:

Increased program applications by 131% in five years.

Influenced passage of two congressional bills and two legislative bills, greatly benefiting agency programs.

Conducted annual educational outreach presentations to community colleges, banks, attorneys, ag organizations

Greater Des Moines Partnership – Des Moines, Iowa

Director, International Programs (2008 to 2011)

Cultivated and facilitated opportunities for international trade, marketing, and economic development with private companies, state and federal agencies, and regional trade organizations. (Federal grant funding position and programs discontinued)

Developed partnerships with key stakeholders and decision makers, created programs for business growth, and kept abreast of international trade issues and news.

Selected Contributions:

Served as subject matter expert and educator to drive awareness and grow opportunities, to include publishing quarterly newsletters, conducting to exporter roundtables, and guiding discussions of current trade issues.

Spearheaded complex logistical operations for 2010 China Trade Mission in collaboration with U.S. Embassy, thirty-four participants, and four sponsors.

Bankers Trust

Corporate Trust Manager (2007 to 2008)

Directed outreach to new and existing clients in multi-state region specializing in corporate trust municipal bond closings.

Selected Contributions:

Secured new business and developed long-term client relationships, including six law firms, four banks, 35 new clients.

Directed three Corporate Trust Officer team to process and service municipal bond client’s financial requests

F&M Bank – Iowa

Commercial Relationship Officer (2005 to 2007)

Marketed loan programs, originated and serviced agricultural and commercial loans in four branch offices.

Selected Contributions:

Exceeded loan quantity goals by 14% resulting in reducing delinquencies by 32%

Coordinated regional agricultural marketing club schedule and logistics enhancing farm client’s marketing awareness

American Soybean Association – St. Louis, Missouri

Director of International Operations (2004 to 2005)

Guided marketing operations for producer association in nine global markets. (Funding sponsor ceased financial support)

Increased demand for soybean products through international marketing strategies and tactics. Led operational strategy and activities with full accountability to executive leadership for departmental performance metrics.

Selected Contributions:

Reduced time spent on operational planning meetings by 25% and expenditures for all travel by 27%

Restructured annual strategic marketing process, cutting international travel costs by 10%.

Additional Experience

Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship – Des Moines, Iowa

Executive Director, Iowa Agricultural Development Authority (IADA)

Directed IADA Board policies and strategic plans, programs, and fiscal operations.

Developed three new programs to promote economic development. Oversaw legislative advocacy and public outreach. Supervised and trained staff. Collaborated with agricultural lenders to enhance their support for Iowa beginning farmers.

Selected Contributions:

Increased loan volume by more than $13M in three years.

Expanded Iowa’s Beginning Farmer Loan Program by 35% in four years.

Planned and oversaw Future Search Conference with 36 stakeholders.

International Trade Bureau Chief

Launched new International Trade Bureau agency in collaboration with Iowa Secretary of Agriculture and commodity groups.

Created and implemented new programs to increase exports and trade. Developed strategy, policies, and procedures. Cultivated strong relationships with broad range of stakeholders, including government agencies, vendors, and consumers.

Selected Contributions:

Established and managed new “Food Rep Program”, contributed to increasing export sales by $30M in three years.

Directed U.S. Food Shows (trade shows) in Mexico City for two consecutive years, overseeing logistics in coordination with U.S. and Mexican embassies, 35 state agriculture departments, 160 U.S. exhibitors, and 3,500 Mexican buyers. Events generated $100M in sales in first year and $300M in second year.

1992 - Awarded USDA Foreign Agricultural Service Certificate of Appreciation for Exceptional Leadership as National Manager for two international food trade shows in Mexico City.

1974-1989 Experience – available upon request

Education and Credentials

Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Finance & Marketing Drake University – Des Moines, IA

Bachelor of Science (BS) in Economics and Industrial Administration Iowa State University – Ames, IA

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