Michael Almond Assumes Chief Lending Officer Role at Farm Credit of the Virginias
Farm Credit of the Virginias (FCV) recently announced that Michael Almond assumed the newly created role of Chief Lending Officer in late November. His many years of experience within the Farm Credit System are a welcomed asset to the Association.
Almond was raised in Stanly County, NC, and lived there until moving to attend Western Carolina University in 1994. Growing up in a rural area instilled a great appreciation of agriculture and public service in Almond. Throughout his upbringing and his career with Farm Credit, Almond carried this appreciation of service and support with him.
After graduating Cum Laude with a degree in Business Administration and Pre-Law, Almond had aspirations of attending law school. Wanting to get a few years of experience under his belt first, he accepted a position as a Commercial Agricultural Loan Officer with Piedmont Farm Credit in 1997 in Union County, NC. Piedmont Farm Credit later merged to become Carolina Farm Credit (CFC). Almond enjoyed the mission-related work and collaboration with agriculturalists so much that he redirected his future goals to focus on a career with Farm Credit.
In 2007, Almond advanced to CFC’s Agribusiness & Credit Department, which allowed him to focus on larger, more specialized credits, as well as gain experience in credit management and take on additional training opportunities. Six short years later, in 2013, he was selected as Regional Manager for CFC’s largest region, where he managed a regional team that worked through all facets of lending, operations and processing.
Almond was most recently drawn to FCV because of the opportunity for continued growth and an increased leadership role within the Farm Credit System he had grown to love. He was familiar with FCV’s reputation of great culture, solid financial position, similar farm commodities and a strong mission-related focus.
“I feel fortunate and extremely blessed to be part of a great Association like FCV. I will contribute leadership and perspective gained from 23 years of Farm Credit experience, but I am even more excited to contribute my passion, energy, and enthusiasm for what we do in service of our ag and rural mission,” Almond said.
Along with his excitement, he also has a strong vision for the future, “In uncertain times, it carries an even greater responsibility and importance that Farm Credit be steadfast as a consistent and reliable source of lending for the agricultural and rural communities we serve. Our lending team will continue to focus on local relationship lending where we can maintain clear and direct understanding to the ever-changing needs of our membership. We will strive towards continuous improvement in our loan products, delivery, and technology to insure that FCV is a resource that meets the needs of our members today, tomorrow, and for generations to come.”
“I am thrilled to welcome Michael to the role of Chief Lending Officer,” shares Brad Cornelius, Farm Credit of the Virginias’ CEO. “His experience with the Farm Credit System and the agricultural lending landscape, positive attitude and industry expertise will be a major asset to the senior leadership team and this Association.”
Almond enjoys spending quality time with his family. They love the outdoors, exploring new places and traveling. He and his family are looking forward to their move to VA to take in the rich history and the many recreational opportunities the state has to offer. In his spare time, he also enjoys fitness, watching sports, movies, and reading.
About Farm Credit of the Virginias
Farm Credit of the Virginias provides over $1.8 billion dollars in financing to more than 11,000 farmers, agribusinesses and rural homeowners throughout Virginia, West Virginia and western Maryland. Farm Credit is a cooperative capitalized largely through investments made by farmers, ranchers and the rural homeowners and businesses that borrow from them. In fact, as part of a nationwide network they are the largest single provider of agricultural credit in the United States and have been for over 100 years. Farm Credit helps maintain and improve the quality of life in rural America and on the farm through its constant commitment to competitive lending, expert financial services and for facilitating and sharing knowledge and resources through the Farm Credit Knowledge Center. For more information, visit www.FarmCreditofVirginias.com.