The Pennsylvania Pork Producers Council announced the hiring of its first full-time state executive director. Courtney Gray, formerly with the Pennsylvania Beef Council, is the first person to assume this new full-time role for the state.
“With over five years of experience managing producer checkoff funds, Gray’s passion for industry education and knowledge of consumer trends make her an ideal candidate for the executive director position,” says Ben Barcovtch, president of the PA Pork Producers Council.
While at the PA Beef Council, Gray served as director of communications and director of producer education and industry relations. In these roles, she managed digital marketing strategy, developed a long-range strategic plan, coordinated consumer and producer communication, and engaged beef producers as media spokespeople. She also organized the BQA Commission, a 15-member group of industry experts, and managed the PA Beef Quality Assurance Program.
Before serving the PA Beef Council, she worked as a loan officer for Ag Choice Farm Credit, managing a sales and loan portfolio of approximately $20 million.
Gray received her bachelor’s degree in agricultural sciences from Penn State University with a focus in leadership and communications.
“She is a leader in agriculture in our state and will be a great asset to our organization. She’s a mover and a changer. I think we will accomplish some great things with her as our leader,” Barcovtch says.
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