Fairmont, Minn. - Kahler Automation today announced the retirement of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) John Christ and the appointment of Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jessica Geelan as the company's next Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately.
Christ has provided steady leadership during his tenure as CEO, helping strengthen Kahler Automation's position as a trusted automation provider for the agricultural supply chain.
"On behalf of our Board of Directors, I want to thank John for his leadership and the contributions he has made to Kahler Automation," said Wayne Kahler, Kahler Automation founder and chairman of the board. "His dedication to our employees, customers, and company has helped position Kahler for continued success, and we wish him all the best in his next chapter.”
The Board selected Geelan to lead the company based on her exceptional financial expertise, strategic leadership, and deep understanding of Kahler Automation's business and the agriculture industry.
Since joining the company in 2025, Geelan has played a pivotal role in strengthening financial operations, supporting long-term strategic planning, and helping guide organizational growth. Her collaborative leadership style, operational insight, and commitment to customers have made her a respected leader across the organization.
"Jessica is an outstanding leader who brings the right combination of financial discipline, operational excellence, and strategic vision to this role," Kahler said. "She understands our business from the inside out, has earned the trust of our employees and customers, and has a clear understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing agriculture today. Her leadership will ensure Kahler Automation continues to grow while remaining focused on delivering exceptional value to our customers."
Before joining Kahler, Geelan accumulated more than 25 years of financial and management experience, with deep expertise in strategic planning, budgeting, forecasting, and comprehensive financial operations.
"It is an honor to lead Kahler Automation into its next chapter," Geelan said. "Our company has built its reputation on strong customer relationships, our proven technology, and an incredible team of employees. I look forward to building on that foundation as we continue helping the agricultural supply chain operate more efficiently.”
The leadership transition reflects Kahler Automation's long-term commitment to continuity, innovation, and sustainable growth. With Geelan at the helm, the company remains focused on advancing automation technology, strengthening customer partnerships, and delivering solutions that help agribusinesses operate more safely, efficiently, and profitably.
ABOUT KAHLER AUTOMATION
Kahler Automation is an industry leader in bulk material handling and automation systems for agriculture. Kahler Automation provides customized solutions for liquid and dry fertilizer and agricultural chemical facilities and specializes in legal-for-trade material blending, truck loadout, repackaging, truck traffic, and data management systems. Kahler Automation is a small, family-owned business with southern Minnesota roots dating back 75 years, driven by people with a passion for service, dedicated spirits, curious attitudes, and a focus on quality.