GROWMARK, Inc. has named Jim Spradlin of Morton, Illinois as new chief executive officer effective September 16, 2014, replacing Jeff Solberg who will retire in September.

“Jim has the skills, knowledge, experience, and support to successfully lead GROWMARK into the future,” said GROWMARK Chairman of the Board and President, John Reifsteck. “The Board has great confidence in him and his ability to lead the multitude of talented employees throughout the GROWMARK System.”

Spradlin has held various positions within the GROWMARK System of cooperatives, including controller of Schuyler-Brown FS, regional administrative director, general manager of Piatt Service Company, general manager of Ag-Land FS, and region manager (Central Ill.), energy division manager, agronomy division manager, and vice president of agronomy for GROWMARK.

“GROWMARK and its FS member companies have a long-standing reputation as a progressive and reliable supplier of quality products and services, for being easy to do business with, and for its highly-trained employees who operate with integrity. It is truly an honor to have the support of the GROWMARK Board of Directors as we work together to guide the GROWMARK System,” Spradlin said.

GROWMARK is a regional cooperative providing agriculture-related products and services, as well as grain marketing in 31 states and Ontario, Canada.