RALEIGH, N.C. — The North Carolina Poultry Federation (NCPF) recently announced that Summer Lanier will be the federation’s new executive director, replacing Robert L. Ford following his retirement later this year.
“Everyone at the NCPF is excited to welcome an industry veteran to its ranks in this forward-facing position,” NCPF President Cowan Johnson, House of Raeford, said in the announcement. “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.”
In this position, Lanier 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, the federation noted.
She 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,” Lanier said. “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.”
Lanier’s background is deeply rooted in the poultry industry. She was raised on a family-owned and operated, contract turkey farm, before going to North Carolina State University earning bachelor’s degrees in animal science and poultry science. She also has a master’s degree in poultry science from NCSU.
Professionally, Lanier spent 19 years working at Prestage Farms Inc. in several 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, the federation added.
She currently lives in Wallace, N.C., with her husband, Matt, and their two children, Cade, 10, and Maesie, 6.
