Mr Little succeeds outgoing Chairman Charles von der Heyde, president of Pilgrim’s of Mexico, and former vice president of international sales at Pilgrim’s headquarters in Greeley, Colorado. Mr Little’s election came last week during USAPEEC’s annual meeting in Big Sky, Montana.

Outgoing USAPEEC Chairman Charles von der Heyde of Pilgrim’s Mexico, left, passes the ceremonial Hoben Gavel to Mike Little of Mountaire Farms, who assumes the chairmanship for 2014-15. The gavel is named for two-time USAPEEC Chairman Jim Hoben, who crafted the piece in his woodshop.

As chairman, Mr Little will head the eight-member USAPEEC Executive Committee, which sets policy and gives direction to USAPEEC, an organisation whose mission is to promote and increase exports of US chicken, turkey, duck and egg products worldwide.

Also elected to the executive committee were, as first vice chairman, Jim Wayt of Intervision Foods in Atlanta, and Steve Monroe of Sanderson Farms in Laurel, Mississippi, as second vice chairman. Joel Coleman, vice president and general manager of international sales at Butterball in Mt. Olive, North Carolina, was re-elected secretary-treasurer of the organisation.

Neil Carey of Simmons Prepared Foods in Siloam Springs, Arkansas, was re-elected chairman of USAPEEC’s Marketing Committee. The chairman of this committee also serves on the board and has a seat on the Executive Committee.

Rounding out the Executive Committee as newly appointed at-large members are Steve Lykken of Jennie-O Turkey Store, and Greg Tench of Mar-Jac Poultry. Mr von der Heyde will remain on the executive as past-chairman.

Board members elected to three-year terms ending in 2017 are Mr Carey, Scott Chapman (Lineage Logistics), Trent Goins (OK Foods), Butch Johnson (Globex International), Mr Little, Thierry Murad (AJC International) Jay Simpson (Perdue Foods), Mr Tench and Chaz Wilson (Grove Services).

Board members whose terms end in 2016 are Ryan Downes (Farbest Foods), Larry Gibson (George’s), Jeff Johnson (Michael Foods), Sher Marshall (Interra International), Andrew Piper (Wayne Farms), Kent Puffenbarger (Prestage Foods), Bobby Wilburn (Peco Foods) and Mr von der Heyde.

Board members whose terms end in 2015 are Mark Blanchard (NOCS), Mr Coleman, Greg Hinton (Rose Acre Farms), Mr Lykken, Mr Monroe, Saher Rizk (Mirasco), Claudio Saviano (House of Raeford) and Mr Wayt.