John Starkey, the former president of USPOULTRY was honored during the 2024 IPPE, receiving the Harold E. Ford Lifetime Achievement Award.  This honor is extended to an individual whose dedication and leadership over the years have far exceeded the ordinary and impacted both the poultry industry and USPOULTRY.  The award is presented non-annually by the Awards and Recognition Committee when unique recognition of an individual is occasioned by exceptional contributions.

Nath Morris, president of USPOULTRY stated, “John provided consistent leadership to USPOULTRY for more than 15 years with significant growth under his direction.  He offered steady guidance through some very demanding times particularly the Foundation campaign and the COVID-19 pandemic”.

John Starkey served as president of USPOULTRY from August 2007 through August 2023 after succeeding retiring president Don Dalton.  Starkey holds a degree in chemical engineering from Purdue University and a Master’s degree in sanitary engineering from Georgia Tech. His industry experience includes appointments with increasing responsibility with Hudson Foods, Gold Kist and Vaughn Coltrane and Associates, an engineering consulting firm with close ties to the poultry industry. 

In 2015, Starkey was awarded the Work Horse of the Year Award in recognition of his leadership.