John Starkey, president of U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY), was named the Association’s Workhorse of the Year during the International Poultry Expo, part of the 2015 International Production & Processing Expo. The poultry industry’s most esteemed honor is given annually in recognition of dedicated service and valuable leadership given to the Association and poultry industry.
Starkey was “collared” with the long-established horse collar by 2014 Workhorse of the Year recipient, Dr. Hongwei Xin. He was also presented with a commemorative plaque by newly elected 2015 USPOULTRY chairman, Sherman Miller, Cal-Maine Foods, Jackson, Miss.
Starkey received his BS in Chemical Engineering from Purdue University, his MS in Sanitary Engineering from Georgia Tech and is a registered professional engineer in several states. Prior to joining USPOULTRY, Starkey worked with Gold Kist, Hudson Foods and Vaughn, Coltrane & Associates. Starkey was appointed president of USPOULTRY in 2007.
USPOULTRY and the USPOULTRY Foundation also recognized Dr. Sacit “Sarge” F. Bilgili, professor of Poultry Science at Auburn University, as the 2015 recipient of the annual Charles Beard Research Excellence Award. The award is named in honor of Dr. Charles Beard, former director of the Southeast Poultry Research Laboratory and retired vice president of research at USPOULTRY.
Dr. Bilgili was selected for this prestigious award based on his exceptional research to enhance efficiency and product quality in the broiler industry. During the course of his research, Dr. Bilgili and his colleagues have received numerous research grants to investigate methods to improve the quality and safety of broiler products and improve poultry production methods. Dr. Bilgili has an impressive record of communicating his research findings to the broiler industry and assisting in implementing innovations.
