Zootecnica International - World Poultry Journal

ATLANTA – Monty Henderson, George’s, Inc., Springdale, AR, was elected chairman of the board of directors of U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY) at their meeting during the 2009 International Poultry Expo. He had previously served as vice chairman.  Henderson (left) was presented a “working man’s gavel” by 2008 chairman Bill Bradley, CCF Brands
A graduate of the University of Arkansas with a BS degree in agribusiness, Henderson began his poultry career as a broiler service manager with Tyson Foods.  He later was broiler grow-out manager with Campbell Soup Company.  He moved on to Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation where he was live production manager and senior vice president, and subsequently president and chief operating officer.  In 1994 Henderson joined George’s, Inc., where he currently serves as president and chief operating officer.

Vice Chairman
Steve Willardsen, Cargill Value Added Meats, Wichita, KS, was elected vice chairman of the board.  A graduate of Utah State University with a degree in agribusiness, he has been in the poultry industry for more than 26 years.  He started with Norbest, spent several years at Land O’Lakes as complex manager, and at Cargill as complex general manager.  Also, he was chief operating officer for Rocco in Virginia.  Willardsen is now vice president and general manager for Cargill Value Added Meats.  He has served on the USPOULTRY board of directors since 2001.

Treasurer
Gary Cooper, Cooper Farms, Oakwood, OH, is the new treasurer.  He began his career more than 30 years ago at Cooper Farms, which produces turkeys and turkey products, eggs, and pork.  In the third generation at the family-owned operation, he serves as vice president and chief operating officer.  Cooper is a past president of the Ohio Poultry Association and is a member of the Midwest Poultry Consortium board.

Secretary
Mark Waller, Ingram Farms, Cullman, AL, was named to the executive committee and elected secretary.  He received his BS degree in poultry science at Mississippi State University.  Previously, he was with Tyson Foods for 19 years, serving as plant manager and complex manager.  Waller is now sales and processing director for Ingram Farms.   He is a past president of the Alabama Poultry & Egg Association.

Immediate Past Chairman
Bill Bradley, CCF Brands, Rogers, AR, is immediate past chairman.  After earning his BS at Oklahoma State University and his MS at Kansas State, he began his career with DeKalb Poultry Research in Illinois.   He later worked for Moark Productions in Missouri until 2002.   Bradley is now director of shell egg operations with CCF Brands.