The North Carolina Poultry Federation (NCPF) announced today that Summer Lanier has been named as the new incoming Executive Director (ED), replacing outgoing ED Robert L. Ford upon his retirement later this year.
“Everyone at NCPF is excited to welcome an industry veteran to its ranks in this forward-facing position. Summer is a dynamic, experienced leader who brings a lifetime of poultry industry knowledge, dedication and passion that we are confident will help advance our mission,” says current NCPF Board President Cowan Johnson.
As Executive Director, Summer will have operational oversight of the Federation, ensuring its fiscal health and stability, promote the poultry industry, expand and provide value to the Federation’s membership, and drive advocacy efforts in line with the Board’s goals and strategic directives. Summer will also be responsible for ensuring communication with stakeholders, regulatory bodies, and partners across agriculture and government sectors.
“I feel as if I have spent my life, up to this point, training for this position. Since the age of three, poultry has been the center of my home and professional life and coming to NCPF is a very natural progression in my career. I am thrilled for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take my passion for poultry to the next level and serve this great industry,” says Lanier.
Raised on a family-owned and operated, contract turkey farm, Summer holds bachelor’s degrees in both Animal Science and Poultry Science as well as a master’s degree in Poultry Science from North Carolina State University (NCSU). She also completed NCSU’s Agricultural Leadership Development Program in 2014. Prior to joining NCPF, Summer spent 19 years working for Prestage Farms, Inc. in numerous roles, including Public Relations Director, and most recently, Antibiotic-Free Turkey Production Manager. With this range of experience, she brings a unique wealth and breadth of industry knowledge to NCPF. She currently lives in Wallace, N.C. with her husband, Matt, and their two children, Cade, 10, and Maesie, 6.
