By Megan Tuttle—
MUNCIE, IN – AgBest, a farmer-owned cooperative with Agronomy and Energy branches throughout East Central Indiana, announced the appointment of Lisa Dalton Doan as its new President & Chief Executive Officer. The news follows Mike Couch stepping down as President/CEO after four successful years in the position and fifteen years of leadership with the company. During his tenure, Mr. Couch led the organization to record performance and growth which included the acquisition of Bolinger Propane, located in Warren, Indiana, and the addition of four retail fuel and C-Store locations branded Agbest Express. Mr. Couch will remain at AgBest for several months to support Ms. Doan’s transition.
Ms. Doan joined AgBest five years ago as a veteran leader with more than 20 years of corporate management and leadership experience. In addition to her time with AgBest, Ms. Doan brings to the role proven expertise in human resources, logistics, finance, and analytics. Ms. Doan is also the first woman to serve AgBest as President & CEO since its establishment in 1930 and is currently the only woman serving as President and CEO of a farmer-owned cooperative in the State of Indiana.
“This is a tremendous opportunity and I want to thank Mike Couch and the Board of Directors for believing in my ability to lead our cooperative. I plan to build on the foundation Mike laid by continuing to provide our farmers and customers in East Central Indiana with the quality products & services they are accustomed to receiving from Agbest. Gender doesn’t play a factor in success; it takes hard work and determination. I’ve had incredible mentors over the years who saw potential in me, and without their encouragement and guidance, I wouldn’t be where I am today. That’s the kind of leader I strive to be in return. I’m looking forward to continuing AgBest’s track record of success and I’m excited for our opportunities ahead.”—Lisa Doan
Doan is a Muncie native, proudly graduating from Muncie Central High School where she serves on their Alumni Board. She looks forward to continuing to invest in the growth and prosperity of the Muncie community and surrounding counties. Doan and her husband, Garrett, live in Muncie and have five adult children: Mason, Alexis, Charlie, Erica, and Cassandra.
About AgBest
AgBest is a local, farmer-owned cooperative, providing a broad range of agricultural products and custom services to support varied farming operations throughout East Central Indiana. Founded in 1930, Agbest specializes in providing custom application, fertilizer, crop protection, LP gas, and American-made Petroleum sourced through CountryMark, the largest buyer of crude oil from the Illinois Basin. In addition, Agbest owns and operates retail fuel and c-store locations under the AgBest Express name.