Prosperity Since 1908
Our History
Aurora Cooperative Elevator Company has a rich history that dates back to 1908 when it was established by a group of farmers in Aurora, Nebraska. The goal was to create a cooperative that could provide the necessary resources and services to help each other succeed.
Over the years, Aurora Cooperative has grown and evolved, but its core mission remains the same: to create value for its owners by offering top-quality products, services, and expertise.
Today, Aurora Cooperative is recognized as a leader in the agricultural industry, known for its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and the overall success of its owners.
![Original Coop 1](https://auroracoop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Original-Coop-1.jpg)
Who We Are
Agriculture Elevated
Aurora Cooperative is steadfast in our commitment to empowering and equipping owners.
Last year was a testament to our dedication to providing unparalleled support, resources, and expertise to our valued owners.
Through innovative solutions and unwavering dedication, we continued to uphold our century-old belief in the power of collective action.
Board of Directors & Executives
Meet The Team
Board of Directors
![McHargue_Paul](https://auroracoop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/McHargue_Paul-scaled.jpg)
Paul McHargue
Chairman
![Grams_Craig](https://auroracoop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Grams_Craig-scaled.jpg)
Craig Grams
Vice Chairman
![Beins_Chris](https://auroracoop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Beins_Chris-scaled.jpg)
Chris Beins
Secretary/Treasurer
![Bochart_Robin](https://auroracoop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Bochart_Robin-scaled.jpg)
Robin Bochart
Governance Committee Chair
![Willoughby_John 3](https://auroracoop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Willoughby_John-3-scaled.jpg)
John Willoughby
Audit Committee Chair
![Kozisek_Ken](https://auroracoop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Kozisek_Ken-scaled.jpg)
Ken Kozisek
Nominating Committee Chair
![Duesning_Tobe](https://auroracoop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Duesning_Tobe-scaled.jpg)
Tobe Duensing
Director
![Elting_Scott](https://auroracoop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Elting_Scott-scaled.jpg)
Scott Elting
Director
![Mumm_Paul](https://auroracoop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Mumm_Paul-scaled.jpg)
Paul Mumm
Director
![Sands_Ryan](https://auroracoop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Sands_Ryan-scaled.jpg)
Ryan Sands
Director
![Kroeger_Brad](https://auroracoop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Kroeger_Brad-scaled.jpg)
Brad Kroeger
Director
![Rainforth_Troy](https://auroracoop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Rainforth_Troy-scaled.jpg)
Troy Rainforth
Director
![Brandes_Cortney](https://auroracoop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Brandes_Cortney-scaled.jpg)
Cortney Brandes
Director
![Bonham_Ryan](https://auroracoop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Bonham_Ryan-scaled.jpg)
Ryan Bonham
Director
![Schwenka_Colin](https://auroracoop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Schwenka_Colin-scaled.jpg)
Colin Schwenka
Associate Director
![7O2A7333](https://auroracoop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/7O2A7333-scaled.jpg)
Nate Girmus
Associate Director
Board of Directors & Executives
Meet The Team
Executive Leadership
![Decker_Chris2](https://auroracoop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Decker_Chris2-scaled.jpg)
Chris Decker
Chief Executive Officer
![Smith, Carl3](https://auroracoop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Smith-Carl3-scaled.jpg)
Carl Smith
Chief Financial Officer
![Ronnau_Kara2](https://auroracoop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Ronnau_Kara2-scaled.jpg)
Kara Ronnau
Executive Vice President & General Counsel
![Schegg_Kenton 1 Edited](https://auroracoop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Schegg_Kenton-1-Edited-scaled.jpg)
Kenton Schegg
Executive Vice President
![Sagehorn_Kevin](https://auroracoop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Sagehorn_Kevin-scaled.jpg)
Kevin Sagehorn
Executive Vice President
![Throener_Jason](https://auroracoop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Throener_Jason-scaled.jpg)
Jason Throener
Executive Vice President