A Change in Leadership

April 13, 2019

Written By Marion Kertz

At the MFA Oil Company Board of Directors meeting on April 24, a decision was made to take the leadership of the cooperative in a new direction, and Mark Fenner was relieved of his duties as president and CEO. Jon Ihler, MFA Oil vice president of sales and marketing, has been named interim CEO and will lead the company forward during this time of transition.

The board appreciates all of Mark’s contributions during his five years leading MFA Oil, but we felt the decision to part ways was in the best interest of the cooperative, its farmer-owners and employees. Mark’s vision for the company simply did not align with the board’s view. We want the company to renew its focus on providing the highest level of customer service and improving employee morale. These principles have been hallmarks of our company’s business practices since 1929, and that will never change.

Employee job satisfaction is a priority area for the Board of Directors. Our employees do fantastic work to supply the energy needs of our farmer-owners and customers. MFA Oil would not have been as successful as it’s been these past 90 years without dedicated, hardworking people. We are committed to ensuring our talented employees have the support and tools they need to take the co-op into the future.

Jon is a seasoned leader, and the board has great confidence in his ability to provide continuity and stability to the company until a permanent chief executive is ready to be named. His extensive experience with the company, including various management roles, makes him well qualified to lead MFA Oil forward. Jon is deeply committed to the co-op, and we believe we are in good hands.

We take seriously the stewardship of this great cooperative – which was created by our grandfathers and kept going by our fathers – and we believe MFA Oil is well-positioned to continue to serve the next generation.