Jessica Lehman
About Jessica Lehman
Jessica Lehman is the Director of Food & Agribusiness at First Financial Bank and a part owner of a family-operated grain elevator and feed mill in Indiana.
Current Role at First Financial Bank
Jessica Lehman currently holds the title of Director Food & Agribusiness at First Financial Bank in Fort Wayne, Indiana Area. As an industry expert, she specializes in production agriculture and has been instrumental in establishing the bank's credit policy, utilizing Moody’s Analytics/Ag Lending Cloud, and implementing the risk rating model for agriculture loans.
Previous Experience at Farm Credit Mid-America
Jessica Lehman served in various capacities at Farm Credit Mid-America from 2010 to 2016. She began as a Financial Services Officer and later became Associate Vice President - Growing Forward. During her tenure, she led initiatives to support young and beginning farmers and managed a portfolio valued at approximately $350 million, including an aged portfolio worth $87 million. She was also pivotal in business strategy and development for emerging agricultural markets.
Background in Agricultural Education
Jessica Lehman has a rich background in agricultural education, having served as an Agricultural Educator and FFA Advisor at both Shenandoah School Corporation and Batesville Community School Corporation. Additionally, she interned with the National FFA Organization and the Indiana FFA Foundation. This diverse experience has enriched her understanding of youth leadership and agricultural development.
Academic Credentials
Jessica Lehman earned her Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Education and Agricultural Economics from Purdue University, graduating in 2007. She is also a graduate of the Indiana AgrIInstitute’s Agriculture Leadership Program, which has further honed her leadership skills in the agriculture sector.
Involvement in Family Agribusiness
In addition to her professional career, Jessica Lehman is actively involved in her family-owned agribusiness, LEHMAN FEED MILL INC, located in Berne, Indiana. The family enterprise includes a grain elevator, feed mill, and a small operation for row crops and livestock, integrating 4-H and freezer meats. Her role in the family business showcases her hands-on experience and commitment to agriculture.