Central States Names Christopher Harrison Board Chairman as Jim Sliker Retires

Central States has appointed Christopher Harrison as chairman of its Board of Directors following the retirement of Jim Sliker, the company’s former CEO and chairman.

The Tontitown, Arkansas-based company said Harrison, who previously served as Lead Independent Director, became chairman effective Oct. 1. Sliker retired from the Board after serving as chairman since 2023 and as CEO from 2013 to 2023.

During Sliker’s tenure as CEO and chairman, Central States experienced significant growth, expanded its product offerings and capabilities, strengthened its company culture and reinforced its focus on delivering value to customers, employees and business partners.

“As I begin a new chapter, I want to express my sincere gratitude to all of the employee owners for their trust and support over the last 13 years,” said Sliker. “While many measure a career by accomplishments, what I will cherish most are the relationships that have been made. It has been an honor to serve such a great organization full of people committed to Own It, Can Do, Act in Love, and Customers. My hope is that you continue to work together and remain anchored in those values when facing challenges and pursuing new opportunities. Central States will always be considered family.”

Harrison has served on Central States’ Board since 2023 and became Lead Independent Director in 2024. In that position, he worked with the Board and management on the company’s ongoing evolution, including CEO succession, Board composition and governance practices.

“It is a tremendous honor to be appointed Chairman of the Board succeeding Jim, who was a key reason I joined the Board in 2023,” said Harrison. “I want to personally thank Jim for his tireless leadership and stewardship of the company, and I am very happy for him as he transitions into this well-deserved next chapter. I look forward to working closely with Kurt Weaver, my fellow directors, and the entire Central States team as we continue to drive the company’s strategy and create maximum value for our customers and shareholders.”

The leadership change follows a planned succession process overseen by the Board’s Nominating and Governance Committee.

Central States CEO Kurt Weaver credited Sliker with helping guide the company through more than a decade of growth and development while welcoming Harrison to his new role.

“On behalf of the Board of Directors and the entire Central States organization, we extend our sincere gratitude to Jim for his exceptional leadership, dedication, and contributions over the past 13 years,” said Weaver. “We welcome Chris as Chairman and look forward to his continued strong leadership, deep expertise, and commitment as we move Central States forward.”