Lara Holston, of McLeansboro, started as a sales and service specialist in the Mt. Vernon regional office Feb. 1. The Mt. Vernon office serves farm families and rural landowners in Edwards, Franklin, Hamilton, Jackson, Jefferson, Perry, Wayne, and White Counties.

Where did you grow up?

I was raised on my family’s Hamilton County grain farm and graduated from McLeansboro High School. Growing up on a farm and then marrying a farmer, I know the importance of reliable services to growth and success. Our family has been farming for generations, due in part to institutions like Farm Credit Illinois. Working her, I hope to help more farmi families have this option.

What interested you in a career with FCI?

My father Dennis Frey served on the FCI Board of Directors for many years and always spoke highly of the company culture, which contributed to my decision to apply to join the team in Mt. Vernon. I previously worked in accounts payable for Hamilton County Coal in Dahlgren. I earned an associate’s degree from Rend Lake College and am working towards a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Southern Illinois University Carbondale.