Central States announces that Jim Sliker, former CEO and Chairman, has retired as a member of the Board of Directors, and the Board has elected Christopher Harrison, the Company’s Lead Independent Director, to serve as Chairman of the Board effective October 1, 2026.
Sliker has served as Central States Chairman since 2023 and previously as CEO since 2013. Under his leadership, the company experienced significant growth, expanded its product offering and capabilities, strengthened its culture, and reinforced its commitment to customers, employees, and business partners.
Harrison has served as a member of the Central States Board since 2023 and Lead Independent Director since 2024. In that role, he has partnered closely with the Board and management on key aspects of the company’s continued evolution, including CEO succession, Board composition and ongoing enhancement of governance practices and processes to foster continuous Board excellence.
The transition follows a planned succession process overseen by the Board’s Nominating and Governance Committee.
“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.”
