After more than 25 years at J&J Family of Farms and 10 years at the helm, fourth-generation family member Chris Erneston has stepped down as chief executive officer. Chairman of the Board Lynn Rundle assumed the additional role of CEO effective Aug. 1.

Erneston will maintain financial ownership in the business, along with a role on the board and will provide general business consultation to J&J.Lynn Rundle

In 2012, Rundle became the chairman of the board at J&J as part of a corporate reorganization that allowed for aggressive company growth. Rundle has 35 years of experience in agribusiness and has unique expertise organizing farmer-based supply chains that connect directly to customers.

“Lynn has been active in our business since 2012 and has learned not only our inner workings — but our people and our values.," Erneston said in a press release. "I’m confident his leadership will continue to help J&J grow as a high-quality produce provider.”

Rundle is no stranger to agriculture having served as founder and CEO of 21st Century Grain Processing, a leading specialty grain-based ingredient manufacturer.  During his tenure at 21st Century, a grower-based cooperative, Rundle led the company from its inception in 1997 to a successful sale in 2010.  Rundle has also showed his passion for agriculture with the creation of several other successful agribusinesses and he has also worked closely with the agribusiness community, acting as an entrepreneur, educator, leader and executive for various producer associations.  

“As a long-time advocate of the agriculture industry, it’s exciting to take the helm of a well-respected, multi-generation company like J&J,”  Rundle said in the press release. “This is dynamic time in the produce industry that shows promise for limitless opportunity — especially driven by such a qualified and dedicated team of employees and farmers.”

Rundle received his bachelor's and master's degrees in agriculture education from Kansas State University.  Beyond his work experience, Rundle has also been recognized with various industry awards, including Outstanding Young Alumnus Award in 1999 from Kansas State University’s College of Agriculture, Leader of the Year by KSU’s Huck Boyd Rural Development Institute in 2001 and elected to the Executive Committee of the North American Millers Association in 2008.   

Rundle is relocating from his home in Missouri to the West Palm Beach, FL, area where he hopes to stay active in community volunteer work dedicated to kids, including his work with Lead to Read, an organization he co-founded to support urban school children.