Our people

Jefferson, a Stanford graduate with more than 15 years in the ag industry, has evolved from an investment analyst to a visionary leader known for executing large-scale initiatives with precision and speed. As the former chief financial officer at JDH, he effectively managed a variety of teams, including accounting, banking, insurance, IT, HR, legal and safety, as well as credit, demonstrating his extensive operational skills.

Jefferson currently serves as a board member of the National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA), helping to shape industry practices and policies. Named after JDH’s founder, he is the fifth-generation family member leading the business. Committed to advancing the 137-year legacy, Jefferson blends strategic foresight with a dedication to integrity, ensuring the company not only honors its past but also succeeds in serving its customers and employees.

With more than 25 years of industry experience, including time as general manager for JDH in multiple regions, Aaron is a vital addition to today’s leadership team. His operational expertise is critical in managing daily operations, driving strategic vision and achieving company goals. As a member of both the Transportation, Elevator and Grain Merchants Association (TEGMA) and the National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA), Aaron actively champions industry progress.

Aaron is also committed to making JDH a career destination by emphasizing safety, clean facilities and creating a desirable work environment. Under his guidance, JDH upholds its legacy of integrity, customer focus, trust and safety.

As president of Hawkeye Gold, a JDH subsidiary, Chris brings 22 years of industry expertise to the company. Overseeing daily operations and driving strategic growth, he has restructured the merchandising team, revitalizing the division’s origination and trading capabilities.

Chris also established an export soybean trade business, leveraging existing capacities and cultivating new industry contacts. He serves on the U.S. Soybean Export Council board and executive committee, representing both Hawkeye Gold and JDH with distinction.

Chris is a strong example of JDH’s commitment to accountability, creating opportunities for many within the company and maintaining a unique, people-centric culture.

Outside of work, Chris also takes pride in giving back to his community, reflecting his commitment to both professional and personal growth.

Quinn brings more than 20 years of experience as a seasoned legal professional. At JDH, she plays a key role in leading M&A transactions, commercial litigation and JDH’s investments in the biofuel industry and startup ventures.

In addition to her corporate achievements, Quinn brings a personal connection to the agriculture sector as the granddaughter of a farmer. You’ll also find her on the court and the pitch, coaching basketball and soccer teams at a local grade school. She also enjoys giving back and supporting various charitable organizations in Omaha.

Quinn embodies JDH’s commitment to integrity and innovation, encouraging others to maintain a sense of curiosity in their pursuit of industry improvement.

Joshua brings 21 years of experience in financial management within the agriculture section. Throughout his 12-year tenure at JDH, he primarily served as a regional controller, focusing on accounting, finance, treasury, information technology and credit. Most recently, he has held the position of vice president of finance for the past year, further contributing to the company’s operational and financial success.

Beyond his corporate role, Joshua is an active advocate for advancing agribusiness practices. His commitment to financial integrity and industry advocacy positions establishes Joshua as a key leader at JDH, embodying the company’s legacy of excellence and integrity.

With more than two decades of industry expertise, Brian leads the western rail trading group at JDH, navigating the dynamics and complexities of the marketplace. Brian’s accomplishments include expanding and growing existing business lines, enhancing shuttle freight and identifying opportunities with new customers. His leadership has elevated the entire rail group, making significant contributions to the continued success of the company.

Alongside his deep industry expertise, Brian attributes the positive and engaging workplace culture to a solid community foundation, making JDH an environment that is both meaningful and rewarding. Rooted in a strong sense of support, team camaraderie and customer satisfaction, Brian thrives in the challenging yet fulfilling work of JDH’s western grain trading operations.

Ryan serves as the vice president overseeing human resources, marketing and communications and strategic planning at JDH. With 16 years of experience in HR, including a decade in commodity trading and agriculture, he brings a wealth of expertise to the role. In his three years with JDH, Ryan has been instrumental in restructuring the HR function, implementing an innovative HRIS system, leading a comprehensive brand refresh and establishing robust talent acquisition and HR business partner functions.

Ryan has a deep appreciation for the agriculture industry, stemming from his childhood experiences. He often accompanied his dad on feed deliveries and farm visits and helped out in the local warehouse. These early experiences ignited a passion and curiosity that he brings to his work at JDH every day.

Outside of his professional role, Ryan contributes as a member of the alumni advisory committee for Hastings College. His dedication to fostering community ties and supporting employee growth significantly shapes and defines the culture at JDH.

With 18 years of dedicated service to JDH, Shay has evolved from an accounting role in the company’s Idaho region to overseeing operations in California, where JDH started in 1886. Her industry experience is a testament to her dedication and adaptability. A committed member on the National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) board of directors for five years, Shay also serves on the executive committee.

Beyond her corporate achievements, Shay actively contributes to her community by organizing an annual fundraiser, raising over $100,000 for food-insecure children. Shay is a true representation of leadership, dedication, integrity and community involvement at JDH, honoring the company’s origins and values.

In his role as president of Commodity Specialists Company (CSC), a JDH subsidiary, Charles brings 38 years of agriculture industry experience. While he leads CSC’s operations, he also plays a crucial role in managing market risk for JDH in a separate capacity, demonstrating his extensive business management expertise. Charles has a proven track record of accomplishments, including boosting profitability at CSC, streamlining operations and implementing consolidated company-wide position reports.

In addition to his corporate success, Charles has been actively involved in the industry, contributing as a past member of the National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) risk management committee. With 15 years at JDH, Charles can confidently endorse the company as a place to work. His leadership and dedication reflect JDH’s commitment to industry innovation and employee well-being.

As the former president and CEO of JDH, Ryan played a significant role in shaping the company’s strategic direction. Today, his focus is exploring new ventures and opportunities for JDH. With an impressive 33-year tenure in the agricultural industry and 23 years with JDH, his accomplishments are too many to name. Ryan lists JDH’s “Safety First” campaign as one of his proudest accomplishments, transforming the company’s safety culture through dedicated support and resources.

Beyond his corporate role, Ryan is actively engaged with industry organizations, contributing to National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) and Transportation, Elevator and Grain Merchants Association (TEGMA). A testament to his deep connection to agriculture, Ryan also owns and operates a grain farm in Atlantic, Iowa. His multifaceted experience, commitment to safety and community involvement make him an invaluable leader at JDH.

A seasoned leader with an impressive 36-year career in the agriculture industry, Greg oversees existing investments, sources new ventures and provides strategic guidance to the JDH leadership team. The former president of Hawkeye Gold, a JDH subsidiary, he orchestrated the company’s sale to JDH, establishing a significant presence in the ethanol and DDGs market.

Greg has demonstrated his visionary capabilities at JDH, playing a key role in major acquisitions, establishing business in expanded regions and nurturing new ideas from concept to implementation. His deep industry experience and commitment to integrity continues to drive innovation and success at the intersection of agriculture and business development.