January 25, 2023

New USPOULTRY chairman appointed

US Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY) has elected Jarod Morrison of Farbest Foods as chairman of the organisation’s board of directors.

The board meeting was held during the International Poultry Expo, part of the ongoing 2023 International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE) in Atlanta, Georgia, the United States. Morrison previously served as vice chairman.

He received his Bachelor of Science in finance from the University of Southern Indiana and his MBA from Purdue University.

Before joining Farbest Foods, Morrison was senior director of finance and accounting with Masterbrand Cabinets and finance manager with GE Plastics. He is currently chief financial officer for Farbest Foods where he leads all aspects of finance, accounting and IT for Farbest Foods, Farbest Farms and JFS Milling.

Mikell Fries (Claxton Poultry Farms) was named vice chairman. Fries is a graduate of Georgia Southern University where he obtained a degree in business management. Before assuming Claxton’s head operational role, he spent several years in senior positions overseeing sales and marketing. He has served the poultry industry in various capacities, including serving on the boards of directors for the Georgia Poultry Federation and Norman W. Fries, Inc. He is president of Claxton Poultry Farms.

Jonathan Cade (Hy-Line International) was named treasurer. Cade has a degree from Harper Adams University in the United Kingdom. Before becoming president of Hy-Line International, he served as managing director of Hy-Line subsidiary, Hy-Line UK International.

Bill Griffith (Peco Foods) was named secretary. Griffith is a graduate of Virginia Tech where he obtained degrees in biology and chemistry. Before joining Peco Foods, he served as president for Keystone Foods. He also had a successful tenure at Perdue Foods where he oversaw food safety, quality and regulatory compliance, in addition to serving as a microbiologist for Tyson Foods. He has served the poultry industry in various capacities, including participating on the USPOULTRY Foundation Research Advisory Committee as well as remaining active with the National Chicken Council. He is chief operations officer for Peco Foods.

"I look forward to the leadership and guidance these officers will provide our organisation," said John Starkey, president of USPOULTRY.

- USPOULTRY