Kilgus to lead PC Co-op
A change in leadership is coming to Prairie Central Cooperative this summer.
Current grain merchandiser Michael Kilgus will lead the co-op starting July 1 when the current general manager, Mark Heil, steps down.
“I’m honored and excited to be chosen by the board of directors,” Kilgus said.
Kilgus has been with Prairie Central for 15 years, spending the first few years in operations working as the location manager for the Lexington facility.
“From there, I learned the business from the ground up.”
For the past 12 years, Kilgus has been in the office working on the grain merchandising side overseeing grain marketing strategies and programs, rail logistics, truck logistics and the overall merchandising program.
“I’m just excited to keep building upon the success that is the foundation of our cooperative,” adds Kilgus.
Kilgus feels the cooperative is in a good position for the future with a goal of pushing forward as a team while continuing to serve patrons and communities.
Growing up on a dairy farm near Fairbury, Kilgus has always loved agriculture and wanted to stay in it. He started at Prairie Central out of college and says he has enjoyed every step of the way from operations to interacting with staff and patrons.
“All of those experiences have given me the skills and knowledge to put me in a good position with the help of many mentors along the way.”
Heil has been with the company 23 years, staring as a grain merchandiser and transitioning to the general manager position 16 years ago.
“It’s time for the next step in my life here and looking at this time of transition,” Heil said.
Kilgus was chosen after participating in the interview process with the cooperative’s board.
Prairie Central Cooperative has grain elevator locations in Chenoa, Emington, Fairbury, Flanagan, Lexington, Meadows, Ocoya, Pontiac, Saunemin, Sunbury, Weston and Wing.
