Gene Gregory, formerly president and CEO of The United Egg Producers passed on December 3rd at the age of 79. Gene was born in Elkton, KY. and raised in Gibson City, IL. After graduation he joined Corn Belt Hatcheries in 1961 ultimately rising to the position of president in 1982. In this year he joined the UEP as a membership recruiter for the Mid-west Division. Over the following ten years, through his efforts, UEP membership in his Division increased fourfold representing 80 million hens. In 1992, he transitioned to UEP in Atlanta at the request of, Al Pope, then president. He succeeded Al Pope in 2007 and served as president until retirement in 2012 when he was succeeded by his son Chad who continues as president and CEO of the UEP.
During his tenure with UEP, Gregory successively consolidated five UEP regions into a nationwide organization. In response to welfare issues, he established the UEP certified program in 2002, supported by a Scientific Advisory Committee. The problems associated with SE, and specifically the 2010 outbreak led to the establishment of the Egg Safety Center with the Food Safety Advisory Council.
Gene impressed everyone with his dedication to the UEP and the U.S. egg-production industry. He was always courteous, a great listener and invariably calm when confronted with adversity. He based his vision and actions on decades of experience in the industry allowing him to successfully negotiate consumer concerns over welfare and salmonellosis. His innate diplomacy was critical to maintaining harmony among diverse groups within the Board and individuals within the industry. He scrupulously maintained excellent relationships with politicians and USDA administrators that benefited producers.
EGG-NEWS extends condolences to his widow Linda and children Chad and Jill and their families. Gene was cremated in Georgia and his ashes will be delivered to his family to be interred at the Drummer Township Cemetery followed by a memorial service in early 2021.
He will be sadly missed.