Administration
Ken Smith, IAS Chief Executive Officer, brings nearly 30 years of increasing responsibility and professional experience in the agriculture industry. Ken grew up on a farm in North Central Indiana before attending Purdue University, earning both a bachelor's and master’s degree in agriculture economics.
Charlie White, Vice President of Grain, began his career in the grain industry in 2011 and joined Innovative Ag Services in 2021. With over a decade of experience, he leads the Grain Business Unit, overseeing risk management, profitability, capital positioning, and a team dedicated to procurement, merchandising, and hedging.
Before joining Innovative Ag Services, Charlie held increasing roles of responsibility at Heartland Co-op, where he gained experience in origination, location management, and grain merchandising. His expertise includes managing BNSF rail freight, corn, soybeans, milo, HRW, UP corn, Mid-Mississippi barge freight, and the Hereford, TX market.
Charlie earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Business with a minor in Agronomy from Iowa State University.
Tim Krausman, Vice President of Agronomy, began his career in the agronomy business more than two decades ago and joined Innovative Ag Services in 2002. He oversees fertilizer, chemical, and seed procurement, along with the Precision Ag Department, while managing P&L responsibilities for the agronomy division.
Throughout his career, Tim has held roles of increasing responsibility, including seed specialist, seed manager, and agronomy department manager. He earned his Ag Business degree from Iowa State University.
Mike Bachman, Vice President of Feed, began his career in the cooperative system more than three decades ago and joined Innovative Ag Services in 2008 through a merger with United Cooperative. As Vice President of Feed, he oversees sales and P&L management for the feed department, leading his team to provide value-driven products and services to member customers.
Mike started in the industry as a feed truck driver for Luana Cooperative in 1992. Following mergers that formed United Cooperative, he took on various roles in the feed, grain, and agronomy departments before becoming Feed Department Manager in 2000, overseeing three feed mills. After the 2008 merger with IAS, he managed the Cascade location before serving as Feed Ingredient Manager, Hopkinton Location Manager, and Cuba City Regional Manager from 2011 to 2021. In 2021, he transitioned into his current role as Vice President of Feed.
A U.S. Navy veteran, Mike served four years aboard the USS New Jersey in Long Beach, California. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Upper Iowa University.
Randy started his career in the Energy business in 1985 and joined Innovative Ag Services in 1993. With decades of industry experience, he continues to bring valuable knowledge and expertise to the IAS team. Randy is responsible for the marketing, procurement, risk management and P&L of all petroleum and service products. Other responsibilities include, dispatching of transport loads, managing all service personnel, overseeing delivery routes and managing inventory.
Prior to joining IAS, Randy managed his family’s Osceola, IA cattle and grain farm. He then became a service technician and LP delivery man for Thermogas Companies where he developed his career to Location Manager. In 1993, Randy was hired by a representative of the Hubbard Farmers’ Cooperative to start a propane business. That business continues to thrive today under Innovative Ag Services.
Randy graduated from Radcliffe Community School.
Carla Elliott, Vice President of Human Resources, began her career with Innovative Ag Services in April 2012 and has been in Human Resources since 1998. Carla is responsible for recruitment, workers' compensation, benefits administration, employee labor relations, HR legal compliance, employee engagement, payroll, and training & development.
Prior to joining the company, Carla held positions with increasing responsibility in a variety of industries. She has worked for companies such as Parker Hannifin Corporation Fluid Connectors Division as an HR Administrator and Hupp Electric Motors, Inc. as an HR Manager. Prior to coming on board with IAS, she was the Director of Human Resources for J&P Cycles, Inc., a worldwide supplier of aftermarket motorcycle parts.
Carla attended Kirkwood Community College prior to graduating Summa Cum Laude with a BS in Human Resource Management from Kaplan University. She also has her MBA from the University of Dubuque. She currently serves as Board Chair for the Cooperative Health Care Plan.
Daniel Pesek, Director of IT based out of Monticello, is a seasoned IT professional with over 20 years of experience. With expertise spanning the entire IT spectrum, including application development, network and infrastructure management, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and strategic planning. Daniel has a passion for creative problem-solving and has successfully designed & implemented tailored solutions which catered to the diverse needs of organizations, fostering growth, efficiency, and competitiveness. Throughout his career, he has remained committed to staying at the forefront of emerging technologies, ensuring that his skills and knowledge remain relevant and effective in today's rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Isaac Imsland, Assistant Energy Manager based in Hubbard, has been a dedicated part of IAS for the past 10 years, working his way through nearly every role in the Energy Division. His hands-on experience has given him a deep understanding of what drives success in energy, from procurement and risk management to delivering the best service possible to our customers.
