Meet the Morris Bixby Team
Jay Morris, President
Jay is a veteran of the agricultural, biotechnology, seed and crop protection business with extensive experience in staffing and business management. He has a proven track record in sales, sales management, marketing and general management with American Cyanamid, ConAgra/UAP and Monsanto. He earned a BS from Western Illinois University.
Chris Gerth, Executive Consultant
Chris has extensive experience in the finance sector. He previously worked for Farm Credit Services, specializing in ag finance and crop insurance. In addition, he has several years of recruiting experience in food, fiber, grain and industrial processor industries. This, combined with his unique critical-thinking and problem-solving skills, has made him an industry-leading recruiter. He earned a B.S. from Illinois State University, where he served as president of Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity.
Bill Randell, Executive Consultant
Bill is a well-known veteran of the agricultural crop protection business, having extensive sales and sales management experience with Stauffer Chemical, American Cyanamid and Monsanto. As a Regional Account Manager with Monsanto, his duties also involved strategic management of the Asgrow and Dekalb brand seed business. In addition, Bill has served on the board of directors of the Illinois Fertilizer and Chemical Association, and as chairman of the Industry Communications committee of the Mid America CropLife Association. Bill’s hardwired desire to help people and his natural ability to network have made him a leading industry recruiter. His bachleor’s degree is from the University of Illinois.
Lisa Taphorn, Executive Consultant
Lisa enhances our animal/genetics business with her previous sales experience in both the pharmaceutical and medical sales field. Lisa continues to be a leading industry recruiter with a passion to deliver results within the ever-changing and diverse climate of the animal health business. Her persistence allows her to deliver options for her customers; a positive asset to your strategic placement needs. Lisa earned her B.S. from Illinois State University with majors in both marketing and international business.
Jordan Morris, Executive Consultant
Jordan comes to us from Hub International where he was a risk management consultant targeting large companies in the agriculture sector. He earned a B.A. from Illinois Wesleyan University with a major in risk management and financial services. Jordan’s ability to deeply understand his clients’ needs and delivery of top qualified talent have made him an industry leading recruiter.
Rodger Younker, Director, Business Development, Turf, Ornamental, and Specialty/Pest Control
Rodger has served in a wide range of roles in his 33-year career in Agriculture Turf, Ornamental and Specialty/Pest Control. Now based in Waleska, GA, Younker will lead Morris Bixby’s expansion in Turf, Ornamental & Specialty/Pest Control Markets. Upon joining The Scotts Company Professional Products Group marked his start of a 16 plus year quest in the T&O, Pest Control and Specialty Products. Positions span from National Account Manager (Scotts), Director of Sales US (Brandt Consolidated), President (CEO/PROKoZ) & (SPECKoZ). He earned a B.S. in Agronomy from Illinois State University.
Louis Lucas, Director, Business Development, Agriculture
Louis comes to Morris Bixby after a 41-year career with Bayer and Monsanto. Over his career, Louis worked in sales, sales management, executive account management, P&L management and strategy roles. His work experiences included extensive domestic and international travel and business interactions in the United States, Europe, Russia, Asia and South America. His last role at Bayer was Global Non Branded Glyphosate Lead where he was responsible for managing sales of glyphosate technical and glyphosate formulated products. Louis holds degrees in Agriculture Economics and Forest Management from NC State University. Louis brings a passion for assisting people in career transition and is a welcome addition to the Morris Bixby team.
Michelle Elston, Information Manager
Michelle is a graduate of Illinois State University. She gained comprehensive computer skills as a business administration major with emphasis on information systems. In addition, Michelle gained extensive business experience as a human resources intern at Caterpillar’s transmission business unit. Michelle is a certified internet recruiter providing MBG with extensive internet sourcing techniques. Michelle keeps MBG on the cutting edge by focusing her technology expertise to source and manage information which enables us to deliver results for clients. She’s the foundation of our search process and essential in finding new talent for our customers.