Lee Strom
Partner
Lee is a Partner with Open Prairie and a lifelong leader in agriculture, bringing decades of experience in farming, finance, and agricultural policy. A third-generation farmer, he has hands-on production experience in grains, vegetables, and livestock, giving him a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the agricultural economy.
Before joining Open Prairie, Lee served as CEO of FARM Illinois (A Food and Agriculture Roadmap for Illinois)—an initiative dedicated to positioning Illinois as a global leader in food and agriculture innovation. In 2006, he was nominated by President George W. Bush and confirmed by the U.S. Senate to the Board of the Farm Credit Administration (FCA), which oversees the $300+ billion Farm Credit System and Farmer Mac. Two years later, President Bush designated him Chairman and CEO of the FCA, where he successfully guided the agency through the 2008 financial crisis. He also served as Chairman of the $3.4 billion Farm Credit System Insurance Corporation.
Earlier in his career, Lee held multiple leadership and governance roles, including Director of AgriBank, Director of 1st Farm Credit Services, member of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago Advisory Council on Agriculture, Labor, and Small Business, and member of the Board of Trustees of the Country Mutual Funds Trust. His leadership across these organizations has helped shape rural credit policy and strengthen agricultural financing systems nationwide.
Education & Affiliations
In 2012, Lee received an Honorary Doctorate from Northern Illinois University for his leadership in sustaining agricultural systems and food security. He also earned a Bachelor of Science in Business from Northern Illinois University and has completed executive programs at the Harvard Business School Agribusiness Seminar, the Harvard Kennedy School Leadership for the 21st Century, and the Graduate Institute for Cooperative Leadership.
