Growmark Inc., Bloomington, Ill., announced on Nov. 15 that Mark Orr will become CEO of the North American agriculture and energy cooperative effective March 1, 2022. Orr will succeed Jim Spradlin, CEO since September 2014, who retires Feb. 28, 2022. Orr currently serves as Growmark Vice President, Agronomy, a position he has held since 2014.
Spradlin announced his retirement in June after serving seven years in the CEO role, and decades in a variety of roles throughout the Growmark/FS System. Orr will work alongside Spradlin through February to ensure a smooth and successful transition.
“Mark brings a wealth of proven leadership experience to the chief executive role,” Growmark Chairman of the Board John Reifsteck said. “As we searched for the ideal candidate, the Growmark Board of Directors identified the most critical leadership attributes and experiences required to drive our enterprise business strategies for the long-term success of the Growmark/FS System. Mark demonstrates a collaborative approach to leadership along with a passion for innovation and growth that benefits our member-owners, all of our customers, and their end users.”
Orr is a graduate of Illinois State University with a bachelor’s degree in Agri-Business. His management experience includes service as a Growmark Region Vice President and as General Manager of AgView FS and Piatt County Service Co. His career in the Growmark/FS System began in 1990.