Scott Arnold, Chair of the NCIS Board of Directors, Richard Stinson, Senior Marketing Manager, Tom Zacharias, NCIS President

Every ProAg teammate, agent or policyholder who meets Senior Marketing Manager Richard Stinson can feel his passion for crop insurance and the ag industry. So, it’s no surprise that Richard has been recognized with the National Crop Insurance Services (NCIS) Industry Leadership Award.

“At the end of the day, this award isn’t just about leadership — it’s about service. Service to our industry, our agents, our policyholders and most importantly, the future of crop insurance,” Stinson said. “I’m proud to be part of a group of professionals who care so deeply about the American farmer and rancher. This honor means a great deal to me.”

This award recognizes consistent outstanding leadership in the crop insurance industry. Only those who have served on an NCIS standing, regional or state committee are considered. Richard has given over 20 years of combined service to NCIS, including being on SRA workgroups, as a training and education committee member and chair, as part of the North Dakota and South Dakota state regional committees, and on the Program Development Committee.

Richard also chaired the NCIS Communications and Outreach Committee for eight years. During that time, he helped push the organization forward on the digital front — building new communication avenues like social media and advocating for an updated website to keep the industry connected. He did the same for ProAg, encouraging the team to embrace disruption and the positive change that can come from it.

“Richard has made a lasting impact through his work with both NCIS and ProAg. People want to follow his lead — because they know he’s forging a path in the right direction.”
Becky Piechowski, ProAg Chief Strategy Officer and Richard’s NCIS award nominator

Very few people know crop insurance as well as Richard does. He’s established himself as a resource, drawing on his unique perspective as an agent and farmer with experience underwriting, software development, sales, operations and marketing. But it’s not just his expertise that makes him an outstanding leader in the industry. It’s his dedication to his team.

Becky Piechowski, Chief Strategy Officer, Kendall Jones, President and CEO, Richard Stinson, Senior Marketing Manager, Grant Adams, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, John Sheeley, Senior Attorney

“Richard’s work ethic is second to none. If he makes a promise, he’s going to deliver — no matter what it takes,” said ProAg Senior Vice President, Marketing and Innovation Scott Schaefers. “He’s just committed. It’s who he is.”

However, his impact expands far beyond the ProAg marketing department. In recent years, Richard has offered his support as a sounding board and resource for teammates navigating similar health challenges.

His desire to support others also extends to his hometown, Hermosa, South Dakota. He has long volunteered at the Hermosa Senior Center, doing everything from serving on the board of directors to cooking meals. He was recognized for this work with the first-ever ProAg Cares Service Award, which included a $6,000 donation for the cause of his choice. He, of course, gave it back to the Hermosa Senior Center.

Richard is building a true legacy, both in his career and in his personal life. Recently, he established the Richard Stinson Foundation to support projects for years to come. It will give back to causes related to food security; music, theatre or the arts; and lymphoma, cancer, and Alzheimer’s research organizations — in Custer, Roberts and Grant counties in South Dakota (and contiguous counties).

Though Richard has already accomplished much in his 32-year crop insurance career, there’s no slowing down in sight. He continues to play an integral role on the ProAg marketing team, advocating for the crop insurance industry and farmers on every front. Please join us in congratulating him on his well-deserved award.