Charles A. “Al” Holdren

A pillar in the cooperative community, Charles A. “Al” Holdren has always had the ability to make “work” seem like “fun.” Holdren began his cooperative journey with management training at Fayette Landmark, before transitioning to the CEO at Ottawa Landmark. He seasoned many company changes and mergers, landing as the CEO of Town & Country Co-op. Holdren served as CEO for 26 years, retiring in 2017 after leading the merger of Western Reserve Farm Cooperative to form today’s Centerra Co-op.

In his cooperative career, Holdren committed his company to improving the industry. He established the annual Ladies Luncheon to recognize and honor the never-ending work of women on the farm and female employees of Town & Country Co-op. He also worked with CEOs from other cooperatives in Ohio to form Cooperatives for the Cure to raise cancer research funds though initiatives like Fueling the Cure and Growing the Cure. He also has a passion for student scholarships, working tirelessly to raise funds for students in Ohio and abroad.

Holdren was a member of the OSU LEAD II class and was recognized as its Distinguished Alumni in 2006. He has also been recognized by the Ohio AgriBusiness Association as the Golf for Scholarships Honoree for his scholarship efforts.