AgSouth Farm Credit Announces Appointment of New Chief Executive Officer
AgSouth Announces Appointment of Chad Puryear as CEO
Statesville, NC.: (July 28, 2025) - AgSouth Farm Credit is pleased to announce the appointment of Chad Puryear as its next Chief Executive Officer, effective September 1, following a comprehensive and competitive selection process led by the Board of Directors.
Puryear brings nearly three decades of experience in agricultural finance and leadership. He has served in various roles across the organization, most recently as Chief Lending Officer, where he played a key role in shaping AgSouth’s strategic direction and strengthening its lending operations.
“Chad’s deep understanding of our mission, proven leadership, and commitment to the agricultural community made him the clear choice to lead AgSouth into the future,” said Frank Ables, Chairman of the Board. “We are confident in his ability to build on our strong foundation and guide the association through its next chapter.”
The leadership transition also marks the upcoming retirement of current CEO Vance Dalton, who will step down later this year after 32 years of dedicated service to AgSouth and the Farm Credit System.
“Vance’s contributions have been instrumental in AgSouth’s growth and success,” added Ables. “We thank him for his outstanding leadership and wish him the very best in retirement.”
“It is an incredible honor to be selected as the next CEO of AgSouth,” said Chad Puryear. “I am deeply committed to our mission and to the farmers, ranchers, and rural communities we serve. I look forward to building on our legacy of service and innovation as we continue to support agriculture across our region.”
AgSouth Farm Credit remains committed to supporting rural communities and agricultural producers across its service area. The organization looks forward to continued growth and innovation under Puryear’s leadership.
About AgSouth:
AgSouth Farm Credit provides loans for land, equipment, and production agriculture; crop insurance; leasing; and home mortgages. The Association serves counties in Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina and is headquartered in Statesville, North Carolina. AgSouth is an equal housing lender and an equal opportunity provider.