TUCKER, Ga. – US Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY) has announced the appointment of Matthew Spencer as director of human resources and safety programs. Spencer joins USPOULTRY from Smithfield Foods where he has worked as health safety manager. Spencer will replace Paul Pressley, who will be retiring this spring. Pressley has been USPOULTRY’s executive vice president of industry programs since 2007 and previously served as director of risk management and insurance for Gold Kist. Pressley was with Gold Kist for 26 years prior to joining USPOULTRY.

“USPOULTRY is excited to welcome Matt to our organization. We are confident that his strong health, safety and environmental background will be an asset to USPOULTRY’s ability to serve the industry,” said John Starkey, USPOULTRY president. “Paul has been a tremendous asset for our organization. We wish nothing but the best for him, and his wife, Nell, in a well-earned retirement following a dedicated, vigorous and conscientious career.”

In his new role, Spencer will be responsible for the strategic management of certain USPOULTRY technical services, including worker safety, human resources and employment law programs.

Spencer received a Bachelor of Science, Occupational and Environmental Safety and Health degree from Columbia Southern Univ. in Orange Beach, Alabama. He is a Registered Environmental Manager, Certified Safety and Emergency Manager, and OSHA Authorized 501 General Industry Instructor.

“I am pleased to join the USPOULTRY team. The association includes professionals in their fields who are dedicated to the support of the poultry industry, and I look forward to my role in helping accomplish our mission,” Spencer said.