TUCKER, GA. — The US Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY) honored John Starkey, former president of the group, with the Harold E. Ford Lifetime Achievement Award during the 2024 International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE). 

Current USPOULTRY President Nath Morris presented the award to Starkey.

The Harold E. Ford Lifetime Award recognizes an individual whose dedication and leadership over the years have far exceeded the ordinary, impacting both the poultry industry and USPOULTRY in an exemplary manner. The award is not presented annually, rather whenever the Awards Recognition Committee unanimously endorses the need for occasional recognition of exceptional contributors.

Starkey served as USPOULTRY’s president from 2007 to 2023. He played an instrumental role in many USPOULTRY accomplishments, including extending IPPE’s long run as the world’s largest annual poultry industry event. In 2015, Starkey was awarded USPOULTRY’s highest annual award, the Workhorse of the Year, in recognition of his leadership.

Starkey began his professional career as an environmental engineer for Gold Kist, Atlanta, in 1982. After several years at Gold Kist, Starkey joined Hudson Foods as director of environmental affairs. He later became a principal in the engineering firm of Vaughn, Coltrane & Associates when Hudson Foods was sold to Tyson Foods.

Starkey earned his undergraduate degree in chemical engineering from Purdue University and a master’s degree in sanitary engineering at Georgia Tech.

“John provided consistent leadership to USPOULTRY for more than 15 years, with USPOULTRY and IPPE growing significantly under his direction,” Morris said. “He also offered steady guidance through some very demanding times, particularly the Foundation campaign and COVID-19 pandemic. We are honored to present this award in recognition of John’s dedication to USPOULTRY and the poultry and egg industries.”