Growmark Inc. has made several management announcements, effective Feb. 1. Marshall Bohbrink has been named vice president, finance and risk management, and chief financial officer. He will also continue to serve as treasurer. Bohbrink holds bachelor’s degrees in accounting and finance from the University of Iowa, and an MBA from Illinois State University. He has more than 34 years in the Growmark System, most recently as vice president, risk management and treasurer.
Joe Sisco has been named area sales manager – Plains Region. He will be responsible for agronomy product sales accounts in northwest Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Kansas, as well as developing and implementing marketing strategies, pursuing new business opportunities, and providing competitive analysis in this area. Sisco holds a bachelor’s degree in agricultural education from the University of Nebraska and an associate’s degree in crop science from Southeast Community College. He also holds a Certified Crop Adviser certification.
Matt Busby has been named general manager, Lincoln Land FS Inc., Jacksonville, Ill. He will succeed Keith Hufendick, who has accepted the general manager position at Two Rivers FS Inc. (GM Jan. 10, 2011). Busby holds a bachelor’s degree in ag economics from the University of Illinois. He has held various positions with Growmark, including stints at Servco FS, Antigo, Wis.; Blackhawk FS, Amboy, Ill.; and Piatt County Service Company, Monticello, Ill.
Ali Dunlap has been named crop protection supply manager. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of St. Francis. Prior to her promotion, she worked in the FS Seed division as the seed product and shipping specialist.
PotashCorp reports that Karen Chasez, vice president of procurement, is retiring, effective March 1, after a decade with the company and some 28 years involved with the fertilizer industry.
In other news, the company has promoted Lee Knafelc to vice president of human resources and administration. He was most recently senior director of human resources. He replaces Jane Irwin, who recently retired (GM Jan. 10, 2011).
Daryl Buck Anderson, 50, passed away Jan. 25. A memorial service was held Jan. 28 and a graveside service Jan. 29 in Austin. He was employed by Anderson Grain, Levelland, Texas, for 16 years, and had also worked for Terra Industries Inc. Anderson was well known in the West Texas and Eastern New Mexico fertilizer and agriculture industries. He is survived by his four children, parents, siblings, and other relatives.
Erol Beker, 55, passed away last month in New York City. A service was held Jan. 24 at the Erol Beker Chapel of the Good Shepherd, which was named for his late father, at St. Peter’s Church. He is survived by his wife and two brothers. Beker was well known within the fertilizer industry, having been CEO of the former fertilizer producer Beker Industries. Thereafter, he was involved in several ventures, most recently as co-founder and principal of Phoenix Capital LLC. He held a bachelor’s degree from Brabson College and an MBA from Columbia University.
Tim McCaskey, Chicago Bears vice president, passed away Jan. 30. Prior to this job, he spent several years with IMC Fertilizer Inc. as a CPA and tax specialist. He was the second oldest of the 11 children of Bears owners Ed and Virginia McCaskey. He is survived by four children, eight grandchildren, his mother, and 10 siblings.