
Sonoma County native Ron Carli brings a wealth of personal experience and professional expertise to his role as President/CEO of American AgCredit, a nationwide lender focused on agricultural industries (see “Partners in Agriculture,” page 38). Born and raised in Cotati, Carli attended Petaluma High School, where, “I was very active in FFA. I showed at all the local fairs and had numerous champions. In 1967, I owned and showed the State Champion Jersey at the Sacramento State Fair. I sold all my Jerseys to attend Cal Poly.” After earning a degree in dairy science, he went on to a teaching credential from UC Davis and an MS in agriculture, again from Cal Poly SLO.
“I taught vocational agriculture at Arroyo Grande High School, then was offered a teaching position at Santa Rosa High School in 1977. I enjoyed teaching very much, especially working with the students and their projects. I still have contact with some of my students today, and a couple of them work for American AgCredit. I also taught ag business at SRJC in the evenings, after coming to work for the bank.”
Are you more of a feeler or thinker?
As CEO of American AgCredit, I continually have to focus on the future to move the company forward in a safe and secure manner.
At what time of day do you feel your best?
I’m a morning person and love to see the sunrise to start my day.
Share a surprising childhood memory.
I’ve been driving since I was 8. I remember being stopped by the Highway Patrol at the age of 9, just south of Cotati, when I had to get hay for my stepfather’s cows from the neighbors. I didn’t get a ticket, but my stepfather got a lecture from the officer.
What was your first car? How much did it cost and how long did it last?
I paid $250 for my first car, a 1957 Buick Roadmaster Convertible. I bought it when I was 15 years old and drove to town for six months without a license. The car never left me stranded. I was, however, somewhat hard on it and blew the transmission.
If you had to sing a karaoke song, what would it be?
First, you don’t want to hear me sing. But the song would be “American Pie.”
What do you love to do outside of work?
Hunt, fish and play golf. No one tells their best fishing spots, but I do enjoy fishing the North Fork of the Yuba River. I’ve fished it since I was very young. As a hunter, I’ve had two black-tail deer make the record book for the species. I also enjoy helping others have success on their hunting trips and do some guiding.
If you were unlimited by money, where would you spend a vacation?
Traveling all the continents. So far, I’ve only been to North America, South America and Europe. I think I’d start in Africa to see the wildlife, though I have no interest in going on safari or hunting any of it.
What’s your favorite jelly bean flavor?
I don’t like jelly beans!
Do you have a big family?
After 29 years of marriage, my first wife, Nancy, passed from cancer in 1999. I feel so fortunate to have met another wonderful woman to share my life. Roni and I have been married for 10 years. My extended family includes, my son Ben, his wife Erin and their children Grant and Lucas; my daughter Jenna, her husband Tom and their children Jackson, Quinn and Ronan; and my daughter Jill and her husband Kevin, who are expecting their first son in July.
Tell us about your favorite pet.
Our 11-year-old English springer spaniel, Katie, thinks she’s human. She’s very well trained—we can take her anywhere—she isn’t jealous and loves to play with our grandsons. She’s a trained bird dog and a world-class hunter and retriever. She’s always smiling and wagging her tail.