CVA announces Chad Carlson as SVP Talent

Central Valley Ag announced that Tim Esser, Senior Vice President of Human Resources, will be transitioning to a new role where he will be doing project work in the HR Division reporting to the new SVP of Talent. Chad Carlson, current Director of Financial Planning & Analysis at CVA, will succeed Tim as SVP of Talent. The SVP of Talent will be responsible for CVA employees and helping them have a productive and rewarding career at CVA. Carlson has extensive experience in the ag industry, including management positions with Land O’Lakes and Aurora Cooperative.

“I would like to thank all the great CVA employees I have had the chance to work with for the last 21 years. It has been very rewarding,” said Esser. “I also feel very fortunate to have been able to work with the very talented people on the senior leadership team and the HR professionals I had the chance to work with on a regular basis.”

 “Tim has been a great leader in human resources for a long time. When I look at his body of work, it is truly impressive,” said Carl Dickinson, CEO of Central Valley Ag. “I am excited that he is going to stay on and use his vast experience to help CVA continue to be a leader.”

Esser will remain with CVA in a full-time capacity focusing on his passion for growing and developing people. Tim’s knowledge of the cooperative system is invaluable and will lead to great success over the coming years.

Central Valley Ag’s talent division has focused on recruiting and retaining the best employees. The employee number has grown to almost 900 full-time employees. Many employees have been able to advance to new duties and more specialized and advanced positions. CVA is focused on a culture of employee development to accomplish this and believes that having great employees is the key to our past and future success.

“I am excited to have Chad join the senior team. I am confident that his talent, unique experience, and passion will add to our core value of people,” said Dickinson.

“My goal in working with the HR team is to inspire them to continue the great tradition previously established and continue to push ourselves to be creative and willing to think outside the box as we are challenged to recruit and retain the best talent,” said Carlson. “CVA has a great culture that is filled with very talented employees that are committed to serving the needs of our farmer-owners, and I look forward to building onto the great future ahead of us.”

Carlson holds a bachelor’s degree from University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Chad is married to Yvonne and they have four children; Kayla-20, Caden-18, Jenna-15 and Ryan-12. Chad enjoys spending time with his family in the outdoors, and doing water and snow sports. He also has a passion for coaching local sports.

Esser said, “I have had the chance to work with Chad Carlson for two years. I am very confident that he will bring new energy and fresh ideas to the talent side of CVA that will make CVA a better place to work for our employees.”