NCC features in a short spotlight column the official representative from each of our Allied Leader and Allied Member companies. This week’s Allied Leader Spotlight is Drake Gurley, Director – Agriculture Lending at Live Oak Bank.
We asked Drake three questions:
In 2-3 sentences, describe what good or service your company provides to the broiler industry:
At Live Oak Bank, our goal is simple: to be America’s Small Business Bank. Our Agriculture Lending division partners with poultry farmers nationwide, providing the vital capital needed to sustain facilities and support a crucial segment of the broiler industry. Since 2013, we have delivered over $2.5 billion in financing to help hundreds of families and small business owners construct, acquire, or retrofit their farms. We are incredibly proud to serve America’s poultry farmers and the industry that puts high-quality protein on the tables of millions of families every day.
Briefly describe your position and responsibilities within the company:
As the Director of Agriculture Lending, I have the privilege of leading an exceptional team of lenders covering all corners of the US poultry market. With 95% of our portfolio dedicated specifically to this sector, we pride ourselves on being “an inch wide and a mile deep.” Simply put, we are all-in on chicken! Over multiple decades, our team has and continues to build relationships with farmers, poultry companies, and allied partners to provide a partnership that benefits the industry and ultimately the consumer.
What is your favorite chicken dish:
Eastern North Carolina Barbecue Chicken Sandwich. Soaked pulled chicken in vinegar and crushed red pepper sauce placed on a bun with cole slaw on top, makes all other chicken recipes fight for second place.
For more information, the full agenda and registration instructions, follow this link.
This week, NCC SVP of Scientific and Regulatory Affairs Ashley Peterson, along with team members from NCC Allied Leader Rabobank, traveled to Lincoln, NE to visit with NCC member Lincoln Premium Poultry, to meet with leadership and tour both the company’s headquarters and its chicken processing plant.
L-R: Hunter Odom, Rabobank; Peterson; Micki Donegan, Rabobank; Christine McCracken, Rabobank
L-R: Jessica Kolterman, Lincoln Premium; Peterson; Dr. Luke Baldwin, Lincoln Premium
Upon learning the news earlier this week of the sudden passing of the late Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC), NCC released the following statement:
“We are saddened by the passing of Senator Lindsey Graham. As a longtime member of the Congressional Chicken Caucus, he understood the importance of poultry to South Carolina and to America’s farm families. Our thoughts are with his family, staff, and the people of South Carolina during this difficult time.”
Gov. Henry McMaster appointed Graham’s sister, Darline Graham Nordone, to finish out his term — she was sworn in July 14, becoming the first woman to represent South Carolina in the Senate. She serves until Jan. 3, 2027.
South Carolina law calls for a special primary election around August 11, with a possible runoff August 25, to pick a new GOP nominee for November.
WHAT HAPPENED: Nothing yet, but the 2026 Chicken Marketing Summit is nearly here, taking place July 27-29 at the Innisbrook Resort in Palm Harbor, Florida. This year’s theme, “The Protein Moment,” puts the spotlight on one of the biggest storylines in food marketing today: how chicken is uniquely positioned to capitalize on surging consumer demand for protein. Registration remains open, and NCC members still have time to make plans to attend.
WHY IT MATTERS: Aging demographics, fitness culture and the rise of GLP-1 weight loss medications are driving a boom in high-protein eating — and chicken stands to benefit more than any other protein. Its affordability, versatility and near-universal cultural acceptance give it an edge few other proteins can match, fitting a wide range of diets and lifestyles without cultural or dietary barriers. The growing “eat real food” movement, including the emphasis on protein in the updated Dietary Guidelines for Americans, plays directly to chicken’s strengths. Capitalizing on the protein moment without losing consumer trust — is the kind of strategic marketing conversation Summit attendees can expect this year.
WHAT’S NEXT: With the event less than two weeks away, now is the time to lock in travel plans and register if you haven’t already. Sessions will dig into how chicken can win on “protein plus” positioning, avoid the pitfalls of overprocessing, and stay top-of-mind with consumers navigating a crowded protein marketplace. Full registration details and the full agenda can be found here. NCC will have more Summit coverage in the weeks ahead.
