Brian Runkle

Commander
DISC Type : D

EVP, Chief Operating Officer at AgFirst Farm Credit Bank

Columbia, South Carolina, United States

Overview

Brian Runkle is the EVP and Chief Operating Officer at AgFirst Farm Credit Bank, where he leads operations, IT, and product strategy. An experienced financial services executive and certified Master Black Belt, he specializes in leading organizations through transformation, restructuring, and growth. He holds an MBA from William & Mary.

Outside of his executive role, Brian is a husband and proud father. He demonstrates a commitment to community engagement, recently representing AgFirst to accept an award from The United Way. This highlights his value for corporate social responsibility and giving back to the community.

Unique fact: Brian holds a bachelors degree in electrical engineering, an uncommon background for a senior banking executive.

Personality Overview

Impact-Driven

Strong-Willed

Candid & Clear

They are less concerned about the product and more about its potential impact.  They like to stay in control of the negotiation or defining of the terms. They respond well to strong and respectful communication.

Topics They Care About

AgTech Initiatives
He recently kicked off the 2025 AgFirst Farm Credit Bank Technology Conference, showing his active leadership in driving key technology initiatives in the agricultural finance sector.
Corporate Governance
Recently earned the NACD Directorship Certification, underscoring a professional focus on governance, risk oversight, and the strategic responsibilities of modern corporate boards.
Operational Excellence
As a Master Black Belt, he has a long-standing passion for process improvement, simplification, and driving operational excellence across complex financial organizations.

Media Appearances

AgFirst welcomes Runkle, Calhoun to executive team. Featured in AgFirst Farm Credit Bank (official news site)

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Instagram post announcing Brian Runkle’s appointment as EVP, COO at AgFirst Farm Credit Bank. Featured in Instagram (AgFirst official account)

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Work History

10-2024
EVP, Chief Operating Officer at AgFirst Farm Credit Bank
7-2017 - 3-2024
Executive Vice President, Bank Operations at Webster Bank
8-2016 - 7-2017
SVP Operational Excellence and Transformation at Webster Bank
3-2015 - 1-2016
Managing Director, Risk at GE Capital
7-2012 - 3-2015
Managing Director, Operations - Treasury at GE Capital

Education

Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) from William & Mary – Raymond A. Mason School of Business
Bachelor’s Degree from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 22 Location : Columbia, South Carolina, United States Job Level : Leadership Designation : EVP, Chief Operating Officer at AgFirst Farm Credit Bank
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Insights For Selling To Brian

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • When negotiating terms, help them build an impression that they are the ones calling the shots
  • Speak about competitive differentiation that your product offers
  • Refer to testimonials from well-known industry leaders

DONT's

  • Don’t take too much time in sending them information if they ask for any
  • Do not spend too much time focusing on product tech or features
  • Don’t focus on process and rules, give the impression of being a ‘gets it done’ person

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with Brian is

  • Confidence in impact is paramount to them, followed by a sense of achievement and ROI.
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from Brian

  • If they decide not to go ahead, they will say no without hesitation.

Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will Brian move?

  • If convinced, they can reach decisions quite fast.
  • Can Brian take some risk or not?

  • They do not shy away from taking risks, but can be quite binary about them.

You And Brian

Personality Compatibility


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