Our Management Team

Our Management Team

 
 
Tom Moran 

President & CEO

What are you known for?

Tom brings a lifetime of Farm Credit Experience to FPI.   As a former loan officer, branch manager, regional credit supervisor and FCB credit officer, Tom starts and ends every discussion on “how will it impact the delivery process”.

Educational and work background:

A native of NJ (don’t hold that against him, he says…), Tom is a graduate of Rutgers University with a degree in economics, has an MBA with a Management Concentration from University of Hartford and a Juris Doctor from Western New England School of Law.  With 33 years in the Farm Credit System, he was the founding CEO of Farm Credit Financial Partners and has been a driving force in the company for the last 18 years.

What drives you?

Tom is most proud of his family:  his “way better half” of 30 years, Maureen and 4 children, and describes himself as thriving on problem solving.

Favorite quotes or character:

“Fortune favors the bold” and “nature abhors a vacuum” are the two top quotes that Tom has adopted.  He’s a big fan of Abraham Lincoln because he flexed with his times and understood and measured the trade-offs necessary to achieve his overriding goal of preserving the union.

Why FPI?

Because it is the perfect laboratory to demonstrate that talented people can drive tremendous results, care about each other and have fun at the same time.   If you’re not having fun at work, find something else to do…life is too short.

Dan Prestegaard 

Executive Vice President & COO

What are you known for?

Dan is known as the “structure and discipline” man – helping bring order with innovation.  After 8 years in IBM (Strategic Outsourcing) and 8 years in UPS (Technology and Industrial Engineering), Dan has a wealth of experience helping to shape ideas to something that is executable and sellable…and bringing those ideas to reality.

Educational and work background:

For his education Dan didn’t stray from his original home state - New York.  Dan has a Marketing/Management degree from Siena College (near Albany NY), and an MBA from Columbia University.

What drives you?

Family.  Dan has three kids that he will certainly brag about, and a lovely wife who holds his world together.

Favorite quotes or character:

“Do or Do Not, There is No Try” – yes, Dan’s favorite quote is from Yoda.  He proudly wears the ‘geek’ moniker.  A more traditional quote that hangs on his wall is “Strength does not come from physical capacity.  It comes from indomitable will” – Gandhi

Why FPI?

The structure of FPI is so unique.  Our customers own us – and care about our success…that is a meaningful thing.  Our customers handshake and “word” mean something.  There aren’t many places where trust still exists – FPI is such a place.

Dick Baldwin 

Senior Vice President, Relationship Manager

What are you known for?

Dick has a keen interest in family and local history and has lived through a lot of Farm Credit history as it was made! In his nearly 40 years with Farm Credit, he has served in a number of roles and is perhaps best known for sharing with new loan officers and others life lessons and credit skills he's picked up during his 39+ years.

Educational and work background:

Dick is a graduate of Cornell University, receiving a B.S in Agricultural Economics from Cornell's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences in 1971. An International Agricultural Development major, Dick spent his junior year studying at the University of Buenos Aires.

After two years on the family dairy farm in upstate New York, Dick signed on with Farm Credit in 1973.  In his "first life," Dick filled a number of association roles ranging from Loan Officer to Branch Office Manager, from Chief Appraiser to Regional Credit Supervisor.  During a stint at the Farm Credit Bank of Springfield in the 1980's, Dick led the Credit Analysis and Decision (Prior Approval and Training) Department.  He returned to association life as a member of the senior management team of associations which later became Farm Credit East, serving, among other things as Corporate Secretary.  Dick joined the FPI staff in 1999 spending much of his time and effort training Northeast credit staff.  Today he manages FPI's relationship with Farm Credit East.

What drives you?

Dick values family above all else.  He grew up one of seven kids on a dairy farm. The seven siblings remain close and often return with their families to the homestead which Dick now owns.  Dick's immediate family is close, as well.  He and his wife of 39+ years, Beth, have four grown children and three grandchildren.

Favorite quotes or character:

While Dick is quick to say that he's not into "quotes" or favorite "characters," he is often caught quoting his parents on life lessons, among them one from his father ... "You can shovel [it] over your left shoulder or you can shovel [it] over your right shoulder, but you need to get it in the spreader and, in the process, not hit me with it!"  The point ... there are a number of ways to complete a task but know the rules and respect others.

Why FPI?

Dick's answer to Why FPI, "They pay me to come to work and do what I enjoy doing.  I worked with Tom Moran in two previous 'lives' (my Finger Lakes and Bank experiences) and couldn't resist an opportunity to make it three times and out!"

Dan Caron 

Senior Vice President, eBusiness

What are you known for?

Dan is a skilled technology leader who brings a depth and breadth of knowledge around web and intranet solutions.  He is a published author of two technology books and he is also a two-time Microsoft MVP.  Dan was also a founding member of a major open-source content management system called DotNetNuke.  He leads our eBusiness organization in our pursuit of providing excellent Web and Intranet solutions to our customers.  Born in Vermont and raised in Connecticut, Dan is a native to New England. 

Educational and work background:

Dan, a “self-made man”, has educated himself through uncompromising determination and over 20 years of hands-on technology and leadership experience.  He began programming at the early age of 10 and has aggressively sought opportunities to educate himself every step of the way.

What drives you?

Dan is mostly driven by a good challenge.  Bring it on.

Favorite quotes or character:

“Tomorrow has a place for those who demand more of themselves today.” and “Effort is only effort when it begins to hurt.”

Why FPI?

Joining FPI presented an opportunity for Dan to leverage both his leadership and technology skills with a career path that is challenging.  It also helps that the culture and people at FPI are exceptional.

John Hobbs 

Senior Vice President, General Counsel

What are you known for?

John brings 22 years  of Farm Credit Experience to FPI.   He began his career as a teacher and then ran his own real estate development and appraisal business before joining the Farm Credit Banks of Springfield as a collateral review appraiser in 1990.  When the FCB merged with CoBank in 1995, John worked for CoBank as its NE documentation manager.  In 1996, John joined FPI as an associate attorney and became its general counsel in 1997.   John believes that hard work pays off and strives to provide a steady, reliable and pragmatic approach to all of FPI’s legal needs.

Educational and work background:

John is a graduate of Westfield State University with a BS and Masters in education.  He also graduated from Western New England School of Law  with a Juris Doctorate in 1993.  Joining FPI shortly after its formation, John’s legal  experience has been shaped largely by the dynamic and often unique legal needs of a growing technology company over the past 16 years.

What drives you?

John is most driven by being a part of a devoted team that assists FPI customers resolve their credit and legal issues.

Favorite quotes or character:

Adopting an “it is what it is” philosophy signifies John’s objective and pragmatic approach to the issues and challenges facing FPI and also supports his ability to adapt to changing situations that often confront FPI employees.

Why FPI?

It’s because of the people.  Whether the owner base or co-workers, it’s the people that make working at FPI enjoyable.

Bob Hoffman 

Senior Vice President, Mobile and Web Development

What are you known for?

The phrase “Go ask Bob” has been used at FPI for over 15 years, since Bob has been around for each of FPI’s major system development ventures.  The thought was if anyone knew the answer, he did.  Starting from BASIS, where he was originally brought in as a contractor, to EMPOWER where he headed up the EMPOWER Design Team, to the Applet group where his team foraged new ground in the Mobile arena.  Now in his current resting place, Bob is leading the Mobile and Web Development group to expand the FPI Mobile App offerings as well as revamp EMPOWER into a new set of targeted Web Applications built upon a state of the art SOA Service Tier. 

Educational and work background:

Bob attended the University of Hartford, gaining a Bachelor Degree in Computer Engineering.  Deciding to forego additional education, Bob instead decided to use his education and problem solving skills to see as much of the US and the World as he could, working in London, Edinburgh, New York City, Philadelphia, Boston, and finally coming home to rest in Connecticut and remain planted firmly at FPI.

What drives you?

Bob’s single desire at one time was to keep finding new opportunities to challenge himself in software design and development, but he has found that balancing that inner fire with his loving wife Kristin and daughter Grace keeps him balanced and stable, allowing him to sit back and enjoy the finer things in life instead of being “always on” in regards to work.

Favorite quotes or character:

Bob is always challenged with finding solutions in the face of adversity or saddled with the label of impossible, and he is never happy to stay “status quo” and avoid change.  His favorite quote’s reflect this.  "You don't drown by falling in the water; you drown by staying there." By Edwin Louis Cole and  "It's easy to come up with new ideas; the hard part is letting go of what worked for you two years ago, but will soon be out of date." By Roger von Oech

Why FPI?

Bob has worked for a lot of different companies and employers, across many different regions (and countries) and he has never found any other company like FPI that brings forth all the right components as they do: Dedication to the Customer, Desire to never stay at rest, Pride and Support of all of it’s Employees and an ability to make sure to have fun whenever possible.

Scott Rackliffe

Senior Vice President, Accounting Services

What are you known for?

Scott started as a programmer with Farm Credit in 1978.  During his tenure, Scott has been involved in many strategic initiatives from the development of a loan accounting system to the onboarding of new customers.  Through all of these projects, Scott is known for removing roadblocks, generating consensus, and getting the job done. He’s often seen around the office collaborating, lending a hand whenever he can and most importantly, laughing.

Educational and work background:

Scott is a graduate of Norwich University – a military academy in Northfield, Vermont.  His degree is in Business Administration with a minor in Accounting.  While at Norwich, Scott spent many hours working in the computer center and went on to study computer science at Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Worcester, Ma.

What drives you?

Scott describes himself as a high energy problem solver.  He thrives on collaboration and finding simple solutions to complex issues. In addition, his annual family trip to Aruba keeps him energized!

Favorite quotes or character:

For a significant part of Scott’s career, he was in charge of the Technical Infrastructure for FPI and its customers.  In that role, having a backup plan ready is a must.  Scott often is known to quote the Navy Seal mantra – “two is one and one is none”.

Why FPI?

Scott has made his career with FPI because it is the perfect blend of highly motivated, talented and fun people working together in an organization where it is possible to make a real difference.

John Robinson 

Senior Vice President, Credit Systems

What are you known for?

John brings a wealth of credit background to his role as Credit Systems product owner at FPI.  After starting as a loan officer in Western New York (WNY), spending a few years as a Credit Reviewer for the Springfield FCB, where he spent two summers in Mississippi as part of the System task force responding to the liquidation of the Jackson FCB, and years working with Tom Moran on the Prior Approval desk at the FCB, John became a member of the “Founders Club” for FPI.  With his credit background and software systems experience John has been involved in the design of our EmPOWER software suite as well as it’s predecessor BASIS.

Educational and work background:

John grew up on a farm in WNY and was an Eagle Scout  in the BSA.  He worked his way through Cornell University running the kitchen at AZ Fraternity and training race horses during school breaks.  He graduated  with a BS from Cornell in 1983 and has worked for Farm Credit ever since.  He also has an MBA from UMASS Amherst. 

What drives you?

John is very involved in raising his two young children, John and Claire. 

Favorite quotes or character:

“Even a blind squirrel finds an acorn once in a while” is something you may hear John say when it looks like luck has played a part in the way something has worked out, but in reality John believes that with a lot of preparation and hard work we all largely make our own luck.  John is an avid reader and constantly looks for ways to apply ideas from other areas to the way FPI helps Associations process engineer the credit delivery process.

Why FPI?

FPI is a great place to work with a lot of exceptionally smart people doing really cool stuff with technology.  Coming from an Ag background it is a source of personal pride for John to be providing a strong indirect service to farmers.  Also, FPI is a company that promotes a caring family atmosphere, and this was never more evident than when dozens of FPI people showed up to help John and his family after their home was struck by a tornado.

Karen Rossi 

Senior Vice President, Northwest Implementation & Relationship Manager

What are you known for?

Karen has a good blend of technical expertise and practical business experience. As a former programmer, educator, business owner and mother of three she has a varied skill set and a “can do” attitude.

Educational and work background:

Karen is a graduate of Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts where she studied Computer Programming. Back in the days of Assembler language and punched cards (yes, she is THAT old!) it was impossible to imagine the advances in the field of Computer Science and Programming. She then went on to Western New England University to study Business.  By far, her experience juggling family and career over the past 25 years is what she draws upon everyday in the workplace.

What drives you?

Family pride is Karen’s #1 driver. With 26 years of marriage and three fantastic kids, her family is what motivates her, inspires her, and what she is most proud of.  On the work front,  she is driven by the challenge of the work and the energy and camaraderie of the people she works with. In her spare time, Karen is a tennis player and enthusiast (don’t get her going) and loves to travel.

Favorite quotes or character:

“Leadership is communicating to people their worth and potential so clearly that they come to see it in themselves“. Karen feels strongly that mentoring, developing, and building confidence in people is one of the most valuable things she can ever do at work. 

Why FPI?

Because at FPI you’re only limited by your drive and determination.  It’s also a place with talented people who care about what they do. Add to that, we know how to have fun, and what’s not to love!

Scott Rousseau

Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer

What are you known for?

Scott brings over 20 years of finance and accounting experience to FPI.  After spending 10 years as a Bostonian, Scott returned home to his native Western Mass.  A common thread over the course of Scott’s career has been to strive to develop and leverage financial information that provides insight and value to the business. 

Educational and work background:

Scott is a graduate of Bentley University in Boston with a Bachelor’s degree in Finance and an MBA with a Finance concentration. He is a Certified Management Accountant – a designation that focuses on financial and cost accounting, economics, financial management and business strategy.   Scott has been with FPI for five years and previously worked in financial management at The Hartford and State Street Bank.

What drives you?

It all comes back to family.  Scott and his wife of 15 years, Maryellen, have two children, a son and a daughter.  At work he enjoys problem solving, financial planning and working with the great team at FPI.  There have also been sightings of him playing guitar and dobro in a local bluegrass band called Acoustic Brew.

Favorite quotes or character:

“Make everything as simple as possible, but not simpler” Albert Einstein

Why FPI?

People, culture and integrity.  Scott enjoys working with the great team at FPI and the work-hard play-hard culture. As a finance guy, he holds FPI and the Farm Credit System in very high regard.  In today’s world of quarterly earnings targets and short term financial focus, FPI and its owners take long-term, responsible financial management very seriously.

Claude Waterman 

Senior Vice President, Human Resources

What are you known for?

Claude is one of FPI’s “go-to” people. Having worked in FPI’s HR department for over 17 years, she has the knowledge and resources to provide employees with the guidance they need related to employment issues and career development.  Claude sees HR as a place for one-stop shopping – if you have a question, HR will provide the information you need and point you in the right direction.

Educational and work background:

A proud “Jersey Girl”, Claude earned a degree in Social Sciences with an emphasis on psychology from Montclair State University.  Originally planning to be a high school teacher, the HR bug hooked her in her first job as a human resources training administrator and she never looked back!  Now, with over 30 years in this field, Claude still finds HR work rewarding and challenging.

What drives you?

Values and support – the values instilled by her parents and the support she receives every day from her husband.  Claude says these powerful drivers have given her the strength to accomplish just about anything … she feels she wouldn’t be the person she is today without both.

Favorite quotes or character:

An old favorite - “Quality is not an act, it’s a habit” – Aristotle.  Claude’s more recent favorite comes from a Lee Ann Womak song “When you get the choice to sit it out or dance, I hope you dance”.   Favorite character – Colonel Joshua Chamberlain who, during the Civil War, epitomized the leadership style Claude would like to emulate. He is one of her heroes!

Why FPI?

Because you get to work with smart, creative, energetic, caring rainmakers.  Because you can be a part of something special while fulfilling your own career aspirations.  In a nutshell, because FPI offers the total package!

Mark Stanley 

Vice President, Enterprise Risk Management

What are you known for?

Mark brings a lifetime of audit and internal controls experience to FPI.   He has held a variety of leadership roles in both public accounting and corporate audit, including over 6 years in the Farm Credit System and over 20 years at a large multinational insurance and financial services company. 

Educational and work background:

Mark is  graduate of the University of Connecticut, with a bachelors degree in accounting and a masters degree in business administration.  In addition, Mark is a Certified Public Accountant and a Chartered Life Underwriter.

What drives you?

Mark is most proud of his family:  his wife of over 35 years, his 4 kids and his 2 grandchildren.

Favorite quotes or character:

“Hell, there are no rules here - we're trying to accomplish something.”  Thomas A. Edison.  (But Tom Moran would say the same thing if you asked him.)

Why FPI?

Because it is the kind of place where innovation is leveraged to take a leadership role in the Farm Credit System.  It’s amazing how teamwork and risk taking, combined with experience and a “customer first” attitude, consistently produces outstanding results!.

Kim Enos 

Manager, Customer Center of Excellence 

What are you known for?

Kim is known for her constant drive and career journeys at FPI.  In her 15 years at FPI, she has held roughly seven different positions across the company.  Within her first five years at FPI, she attended classes at night to complete both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees.  Yes, she's a little crazy!  She's gone from an administrative role to managing the Customer Center of Excellence which is a huge focus area in FPI.  Her journeys with FPI have given her the opportunity to meet many of our customers and create strong bonds with them along the way which is key in her latest position with the company. 

Educational and work background:

Kim is a graduate of Becker College in Worcester, MA with a degree in Business with a concentration in Management and an MBA from Nichols College, Dudley, MA.

What drives you?

Family, friends and the thrill of the challenge.  Kim very much enjoys being a detective solving customer issues. It makes her day to make someone else smile!

Favorite quotes or character:

“Dream as if you’ll live forever.  Live as if you’ll die today.” – James Dean 

“Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.” - Unknown

Why FPI?

The people and opportunities at FPI is what keeps Kim focused.   The people that she works with every day are like no other and it truly feels like a family.  Kim points out that you are in charge of your career at FPI.  The opportunities to learn new things and pave your career path are endless.