The Poultry Federation, a tri-state trade organization representing the poultry and egg industries in Arkansas, Missouri and Oklahoma, recently named its officers and directors for the 2009-2010 year, reports Morning News of north-west Arkansas.

Jerry Moye, president of Cobb-Vantress Inc., was named chairman of the board. Trent Goins of O.K. Industries Inc. will serve as vice chairman.

Todd Simmons, chief operating officer for Simmons Foods, was elected treasurer and Kevin McDaniel, vice president of production for O.K. Farms Inc., was chosen secretary for the trade group, which recently celebrated its 50th anniversary.

Marvin Childers of Little Rock serves as president and chief lobbyist for the trade group. John Bryan serves as vice president for Missouri and John Ward serves as vice president for Oklahoma.

"Our federation continues to maintain strong leaders that will contribute to the long term prosperity of our industry," said Childers. "We thank them for their time and dedication."

Board members for 2009-2010 include: Patrick Pilkington (Tyson Foods Inc.), Blake Evans (Peterson Farms), Charles George (George's Inc.), Mike McClure (Pilgrim's Pride Corp.), Harold Pledger (Wayne Farms), Tim Scanlan (Butterball LLC), Steve Storm (Cal-Maine Foods), Shane Acosta (Cargill), Michael Fuller (Foster Farms – Del Mesa Farms), Gary Murphy (Simmons Foods Inc.), Jim Smith (Keith Smith Co. Inc.), Rob Tanksley (Tyson Foods Inc.) and Amy Witte (Danisco Animal Nutrition).