Charlie O’Brien, Assn. of Equipment Manufacturers senior vice president and ag sector lead, has announced he plans to retire from AEM, citing the need to prioritize his time and attention to take care of family and a family business. He made the announcement at AEM’s AG Sector Board meeting on March 21 in Washington, D.C.

O’Brien stated he will be working with AEM President Dennis Slater on the exact timing for his departure from the association, but said he is planning to start phasing out of his position early this summer.

“I care a great deal about the continued success of AEM and AEM’s Ag Services, both domestically and internationally, so I want to make sure we have a very smooth transition,” O’Brien said. “As I work through the details of the transition with Dennis, and as a successor is named, we will finalize the actual date of my retirement.”

“Charlie has played a critical, strategic role in elevating Ag sector programs and services during his tenure with AEM,” Slater said. “Obviously he will be missed. During the next few months, we will put together a plan to ensure that we cover the many leadership roles Charlie held with industry organizations.”

O’Brien joined AEM in 2007 as vice president of Ag Services. Prior to that, he held positions of increasing responsibility with John Deere Credit.