SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. – The Panhandle Cooperative Association Board of Directors has named Charlie Wright as the company’s new President and CEO. Wright joined the Panhandle Coop team June 30, following an extensive national search conducted by the Board of Directors.
Board Chairman Douglas Olsen made the announcement to Panhandle Coop employees.
 “Charlie has a distinguished career in the cooperative system and understands the value a coop has for its members,” Olsen said. “Charlie is an accomplished leader in the agribusiness industry. He started his career as a field man for an agronomy service and consulting company, worked as district and regional sales managers for a chemical and a seed company, and has more recently held various leadership roles for a cooperative for the last 16 years. Charlie and his wife Cathy are looking forward to moving to the Scottsbluff area and building great relationships with Panhandle Coop customers and employees.”

Wright is filling the vacancy created by the retirement of Robert Pile, a 41-year employee of Panhandle Coop who served in multiple roles, including CFO and then as president and CEO until his recent retirement.  
Panhandle Coop is celebrating its 75th anniversary serving families, farms, and food in the Nebraska Panhandle and in eastern Wyoming, and has a long history, as well as loyal patrons
and employees.  
According to Olsen, the Board of Directors is excited about the future and looks forward with anticipation to the contributions Wright will make to the growth and longevity of Panhandle Coop on behalf of its patrons and employees.