CoBank, a leading cooperative bank serving agribusinesses, rural infrastructure providers and Farm Credit associations throughout the United States, announced that Mike Romanowski has been appointed president of its Minneapolis-based leasing subsidiary.
 
CoBank Farm Credit Leasing has a portfolio totaling over $2 billion in leases with farmers, ranchers, cooperatives and other rural customers throughout the country, making it one of the nation’s largest providers of lease financing to the U.S. rural economy. CoBank lease financing includes buildings, processing lines, farm machinery, electric utility, alternative energy, communications, water and transportation equipment.
 
Romanowski succeeds Russ Nelson, who is retiring after six years as president of CoBank Farm Credit Leasing and almost 40 years with CoBank and the Farm Credit System. His appointment is effective January 1, 2014.
 
“We’re delighted that Mike will be taking on this important role,” said CoBank President Mary McBride. “Given his experience with leasing and the customers we serve, we’re confident he will be able to build upon the strong success Russ and his team have had over the years.”
 
“I’m excited to have the opportunity to lead our talented team in Minneapolis and those working across the country as we continue to provide creative and attractive leasing solutions to customers throughout rural America,” Romanowski said.
 
Romanowski has been with CoBank since 1997 and served as National Leasing Sales Manager for its leasing subsidiary over the past two years, with responsibility for customer relationships, channel management, fleet services and marketing. Previously, he held a variety of leadership roles in various areas of the bank, including leasing, operations, strategic relationships and non-credit services. Prior to joining CoBank he held financial and leadership positions with Budget Rent A Car; MGA Inc. and KPMG Peat Marwick.