STEVEN K. FERGUSON111 10th Street, #509 Des Moines, Iowa 50309

515.494.4979 steve.k.ferguson@gmail.com

SENIOR LEVEL MANAGEMENT:Business Development ~ Operations ~ International Marketing

Insightful, solutions-driven executive with 20+ years of success orchestrating turnaround solutions, driving operational excellence, and exceeding profitability goals for diverse corporate, non-profit, and financial service organizations. Well-equipped with MBA and extensive background spanning operations and financial management, business development, and international marketing. Skilled in economic and market analysis; implementing strategies, processes and initiatives that

position companies and programs to effectively compete in the global marketplace. Recognized for maximizing publicity and marketing campaign performance and effectiveness. Client-centered advisor with deep understanding of critical business drivers in global markets and

demonstrated talent for generating multimillion dollar sales and above market returns. Adept at building and leading talented teams, continuously providing members with the training,

support, resources, guidance, and motivation to exceed organizational objectives.

Operations & Financial Management International Marketing Management Business Development Relationship Building & Management Program Development & Management Project Management Budget Management New Market Development Team Leadership & Motivation HR Management

Strategy & Vision Planning IT Financial Controls Event Management Process Improvement

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCEGREATER DES MOINES PARTNERSHIP, Des Moines, Iowa 2008-2011Non-profit entity; facilitates global trade, marketing, and economic development through collaborations with local businesses, state and federal agencies, cultural organizations, and Iowa State University.

Director, International Programs: Primary leadership force of global programs, annual budgets, and Iowa Foreign Trade Zone operations. Devised and deployed strategies and marketing initiatives to support and expand Iowa agribusiness and international delegations. Forged productive alliances with Iowa State University, key stakeholders, community and corporate leaders across the state. Oversaw program development, implementation and coordination. Organized and directed fundraising and world-class program events. Overhauled program to tighten focus, streamline operations, and create consistent, sustainable

support system for participants. Served as Vice Chair of North America Super Corridor Coalition Conference; key contributor to

development of 6 collaborative roadmaps to resolve North American transportation issues. Requested by USDA and World Food Prize officials to coordinate activities of 40 Borlaug Fellows;

organized initial group orientation, logistics, and assistance throughout week-long event. Coordinated 2010 China Trade Mission logistics in conjunction with U.S. Embassy.

F&M BANK, Newton, Iowa 2005-2007$350 billion Michigan-based regional bank with offices in 3 Midwestern states.

Commercial Relationship Officer: Challenged with expanding agricultural loan portfolios while originating and servicing loans across 4 high volume branches. Targeted new business opportunities with a strong focus on securing loan originations and exceeding multimillion dollar annual production goal. Delivered comprehensive sales presentations based upon customer needs, maintaining top communication with new/existing account holders to ensure business retention and revenue growth. Propelled revenues and captured superior levels of client satisfaction through skillful one-to-one

marketing, follow-up support, and product/service education. Earned reputation as top performer, surpassing loan quantity goals by 14% and quality goals by 8%

while slashing delinquencies by 32%.STEVEN K. FERGUSON Page 2 steve.k.ferguson@gmail.com

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VARIOUS SENIOR-LEVEL POSITIONS / ENGAGEMENTS, Washington, D.C., Missouri, & Iowa 2001-2005: Recruited by diverse organizations across multiple industries to fulfill key leadership roles focused on enhancing operational efficiency, marketing program effectiveness, and financial performance.

Notable Engagements: Director of Operations, International Marketing , American Soybean Association (2004-2005):

Coordinated international marketing programs and initiatives for 9 global branches. o Streamlined and optimized planning processes for global marketing operations, generating

25% reduction in planning time and 27% reduction in travel expenses. Manager, Priceline Call Center, Home Mortgage , Wells Fargo & Company (2003-2004): Provided

decisive leadership and direction for regional 24-hour call center, skillfully coordinating three 8-hour shifts, 2 supervisors and 57-88 telephone agents. Presided over staff recruitment, hiring, and training while maintaining highest levels of productivity and customer service excellence.

o Credited with consistently exceeding established goal of 95% call center capacity. CEO/Senior Consultant , SKF International Consulting (2002-2003): Provided C-level management

consulting services for diverse client base. Forged productive client relationships and guided short-/long-term strategic roadmaps to improve operations, revenue, and fiscal performance. Formulated and instituted highly successful marketing and fundraising initiatives.

o Fueled 23% increase in profits for key client by strengthening internal controls and revamping overall marketing strategy.

o Conducted in-depth audit of accounting records for MIATCO; identified and resolved 5 internal control issues and $115,000 in understated expenses.

IOWA DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE & LAND STEWARDSHIP, Des Moines, Iowa 1989-2001 State agency providing marketing and loan services for agricultural producers and exporters.

Executive Director, Iowa Agricultural Development Authority (1995-2001): Advanced to lead and coordinate all division operations and functions including financial management, HR, IT, marketing and promotions, program services, and customer relations. Mentored, coached, and trained 3 direct reports and supervised 1 IT Consultant. Managed $375,000 annual budget. Acknowledged for fueling loan volume increase from $14.3 million to $27.5 million in 3 years.

International Trade Bureau Chief (1989-1995): Recruited to build International Trade Bureau from ground up, in coordination with Iowa Secretary of Agriculture and commodity groups. Managed daily operations at 2 locations, directing up to $400,000 annual budget and large-scale international marketing campaigns. Supervised and motivated 3 direct reports. Generated $7 million+ in international sales of Iowa food products through successful development

and implementation of new FoodRep Program. Produced $30 million increase in export sales by establishing new trade lead system and spearheading

highly successful marketing initiatives in targeted countries. Appointed twice by U.S. Embassy as Show Manager for U.S. Food Festival in Mexico City; won

enthusiastic praise for confirming $100 million and $300 million food sales at each show, respectively while maintaining actual cost-to-budget under 10%. Coordinated 35 State Departments of Agriculture, 4 trade organizations, USDA, 160 U.S. exhibitors, and 3,500 Mexican buyers.

Awarded 1992 Marketing Manager of the Year by Mid-American International Agri-Trade Council.

NOTE: Additional career history includes roles as Corporate Trust Manager for Bankers Trust, Rural Development Specialist for USDA Rural Development, Vice President of Customer Operations for National

Cooperative Bank, Director of Accounting and Administration for Farm Credit, and Assistant Vice President for Iowa Trust & Savings Bank.

EDUCATION & CREDENTIALSMaster of Business Administration, Drake University, Des Moines, Iowa

Bachelor of Science, Economics & Industrial Administration, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa

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