On January 24th 2022 Jim Sumner, president & CEO of the USA Poultry & Egg Export Council (USAPEEC), was honored by U.S. Poultry & Egg Association with the Harold E. Ford Lifetime Award on the occasion of the 2022 International Production & Processing Expo. This Award is presented to an industry individual demonstrating dedication and leadership over a career contributing both to the poultry industry and USPOULTRY. The award is presented only when the Awards and Recognition Committee unanimously recognizes and endorses the need for a person who has made exceptional contributions.

On commenting on the award, John Starkey, president of USPOULTRY stated “The connecting ties and friendship between Jim, USAPEEC and USPOULTRY are long and deep. It is a privilege to work with Jim, and we are honored to present this award.”

Sumner earned a BS in Journalism from Southern Illinois University. He has served as president and CEO of USAPEEC since 1990 and president of the International Poultry Council since 2005. He is also a past president of the World Poultry Federation. 

He has served as a member of the USDA Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee for Trade for many years. He has also served as an export advisor to the American Egg Board and Chairman of the Trade and Executive Committees of the International Egg Commission. In 2012, Sumner was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Poultry & Food Distributors Association (NPFDA).

Under his leadership, USAPEEC built a strong team in Atlanta, has opened to 16 international offices on four continents, helped establish trade with dozens of countries including Mexico, China and Cuba, and launched the International Poultry Council (IPC) and World Poultry Federation (WPF).