Chair's Message
Leading the Way: Introducing 2026 NACM Chair, Jason Mott, CCE
Jason Mott, CCE
Hailing from Columbia, Missouri, Jason Mott, CCE, corporate credit manager at MFA Incorporated, brings nearly three decades of experience in B2B credit. With a strong work ethic, he has woven his passions for agriculture and credit into a distinguished and rewarding career.
Mott’s expertise, experience and commitment to advancing NACM’s mission make him more than an advocate—he is an exemplary leader. Following his tenure on the National Board, we are proud to announce Mott as Chair of NACM for 2026. Amid this excitement, Mott took the opportunity to share his journey into credit management, his advocacy efforts and his vision for NACM.
Cultivating a Career: From Family Farm to Finance
This Missouri native has deep roots in the agriculture industry, growing up in a family that built and operated a beef processing business. After graduating from the University of Missouri in May 1996, Mott planned to continue the family legacy of entrepreneurship. However, everything changed the following year when his father decided to sell the business.
In September 1997, Mott launched his credit career as a loan officer trainee. Within months, he accepted a role as assistant vice president at Farm Credit Services of Western Missouri (now FCS Financial) in Clinton, Missouri, where he honed his expertise for nearly a decade.
Following that experience, Mott and his wife relocated to the Columbia area, where he worked in commercial banking for more than six years. Missing the connection to agricultural lending, Mott seized the opportunity to join MFA Incorporated, a Midwest-based regional farm supply and marketing cooperative, in April 2014.
In September 2017, he transitioned from retail credit manager to his current role as corporate credit manager, serving more than 45,000 farmer-owners across Missouri and the surrounding states. Leading a team of eight, Mott oversees the design and execution of credit policies and procedures, setting goals to minimize bad debt while maximizing product sales.
“I work closely with MFA’s legal department and various collection agencies when accounts need to go outside of the credit department for assistance,” Mott said. “Additionally, I’m responsible for ensuring compliance with MFA’s corporate mission, vision and values while helping achieve company goals.”
A Career Turning Point
Mott’s career took an exciting turn when he became a member of NACM National in September 2015. It began when his former supervisor, Jerome Gerke, invited him to attend the NACM Fall Conference in St. Louis. Soon after, Mott pursued his first professional designation through NACM and FCIB’s six-level Professional Certification Program.
“To prepare, I reached out to my friend Kevin Stinner, CCE, CCRA, with Simplot, who had just earned his Certified Credit Executive (CCE) designation,” said Mott. “Kevin sent me his study materials and directed me to the Credit Learning Center on NACM’s website, where I completed the Career Roadmap.”
Mott successfully passed the CCE exam in June 2016 at Credit Congress & Expo in Las Vegas. “Earning my certification gave me the confidence to pursue new opportunities within my organization,” he said. “I felt better prepared to assume my current role and more confident in writing credit policy, analyzing financial statements and understanding bankruptcy code.”
Advancing in Leadership
To deepen his involvement with NACM, Mott joined the National Board in January 2022. “This experience has taught me that NACM is filled with outstanding leaders,” he said. “Building relationships and collaborating with members from diverse backgrounds has been essential to success.”
As a Board member, Mott helped develop a strategic plan to update bylaws, initiated an Executive Leadership Track at Credit Congress and curated a succession plan. Becoming Chair now allows him to continue those initiatives and strengthen connections across the organization.
Looking ahead, Mott hopes to further hone his leadership skills through advanced workshops and continued participation in NACM Thought Leader Forums—gaining knowledge from peers while expanding his own credit expertise.
Resilience in Action
As with any career, there are moments that challenge even the most seasoned professionals. “During this past year, our company changed vendors for our input finance funding source,” said Mott. “This required everyone in the department to take on additional responsibilities and lead parts of the transition. At the same time, one of the primary individuals overseeing the process departed the company. Fortunately, our credit and accounting teams worked together to ensure a smooth changeover.”
As a credit leader, Mott values his team’s resilience and collaboration. “I’m proud of the team we’ve built at MFA,” he said. “One of the most important skills an effective leader can have is embracing change—the business credit world is always evolving.”
Mentors’ Guidance for Professional Growth
Mott credits three mentors who have had a lasting impact on his career. The first is Dave Putnam of First State Community Bank. “He taught me how to analyze and underwrite credit, identify strengths and weaknesses, and present findings clearly,” said Mott. “Without Dave’s guidance, I may not have passed the CCE exam.”
The mentor who helped guide Mott into his current role is John Akridge of MFA Incorporated. “His leadership and advice have helped me navigate both challenges and opportunities,” Mott said. “He’s someone I can always go to for ideas and honest feedback.”
Former NACM National Chair JoAnn Malz, CCE, ICCE, has also been a key influence since Mott joined the National Board. “When I face a difficult decision or need advice, JoAnn is always there to help me weigh the pros and cons,” he said. “My journey on the Board has been much easier with her leadership.”
Charting His Vision: Goals and Plans Ahead
In 2025, one of Mott’s first tasks was finding a successor for NACM’s National President, an undertaking that will shape the organization’s future. “I’m confident in the Search Firm, the NACM Search Committee and the Board,” said Mott. “I’m committed to assisting with a smooth transition and welcoming our next President into the NACM family, whomever they are.”
Mott looks forward to attending NACM’s 130th Credit Congress & Expo in St. Louis. “It’s a great opportunity to network with nearly 1,000 credit professionals and attend workshops and seminars,” he said. “I encourage others to attend, earn a professional designation, hear from industry leaders and celebrate our community’s accomplishments. This year, we’ll also welcome our new National President and I hope to see a packed house showing them that they made the right choice in joining NACM.”
Getting Personal
Despite his professional accomplishments, Mott’s most important role is as husband to his wife, Rebecca; father to sons Andy and Aaron and grandfather to Evelyn, Stella and Colter. “Being a good role model and supporter to them is my highest calling,” said Mott. “We all work together on our family’s Wagyu cattle operation, Seven Hills Livestock Farm, where we raise and sell beef directly to local customers.”
In his free time, Mott enjoys hunting, fishing, and cheering for the Mizzou Tigers, Kansas City Chiefs, and Kansas City Royals. “Having been involved in agriculture my entire life, I’ve learned the work ethic and discipline needed to succeed,” he said. “My hobbies provide an outlet to recharge and refocus on my work.”
In the year ahead, Mott is determined to lead with confidence, clarity and purpose. The professional and personal development of his team and NACM members continues to be the driving force behind each of his decisions. His strategy? Staying informed and seeking new ways to learn and grow as a leader and credit practitioner.
