AgFirst welcomes new CIO, CHRO

AgFirst welcomed two members to its executive team in May. Michael Lehmbeck was named Chief Information Officer, and Sharmequa Franklin was appointed to the Chief Human Resources Officer role. 

Lehmbeck will provide executive leadership and strategic direction for the bank’s technology organization. His responsibilities include overseeing the successful delivery of information technology solutions, building innovation platforms, managing enterprise architecture, application development and integration, data services and IT operations. Lehmbeck’s background in banking and technology spans over 20 years with leadership positions at both mid-size and large national banks. He comes to AgFirst from BankUnited, where he served as Chief Technology Officer, helping the Florida-based bank navigate a complex compliance and regulatory landscape while also leading its adoption of and innovation in the cloud. 

As CHRO, Franklin will align the bank’s people strategies and services with the needs of the bank and its affiliated associations. She began her Farm Credit career at AgFirst in 2001 and fine-tuned her Human Resources talents over the years at MidAtlantic Farm Credit (now Horizon Farm Credit) and AgSouth Farm Credit. She has over 20 years of experience driving organizational growth, enhancing employee engagement and leading strategic Human Resources initiatives. 

“Michael and Sharmequa bring proven leadership and a history of collaboration and results. I am confident that both will be instrumental as our organization continues to navigate change and deliver growth to our association partners,” said AgFirst acting CEO and Chief Credit Officer Pat Calhoun.