November 22, 2024 – ATLANTA – Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack has appointed nine members and nine alternates to serve on the National Peanut Board.
The following members and alternates will serve terms until December 31, 2026:
- Thomas Adams of Newville, Alabama (Member, Previously Served as Alternate)
- Josh McCoy of Dothan, Alabama (Alternate, Newly Appointed)
- Perry “Lance” Jackson of Graceville, Florida (Member, Newly Appointed)
- Scott Walker of McDavid, Florida (Alternate, Newly Appointed)
- Lonnie Fortner of Port Gibson, Mississippi (Member, Reappointed)
- Alan Atkins of Hamilton, Mississippi (Alternate, Reappointed)
- Ray Garner, Jr. of Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina (Member, Reappointed)
- Julie Ward of Clarkton, North Carolina (Alternate, Reappointed)
- Westley Drake of Newsoms, Virginia (Member, Previously Served as Alternate)
- Richard Williams of Suffolk, Virginia (Alternate, Newly Appointed)
The following members and alternates will serve terms beginning January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2027:
- Casey Cox Kerr of Camilla, Georgia (Member, Reappointed)
- Wesley Webb of Leary, Georgia (Alternate, Reappointed)
- Neal Baxley of Marion, South Carolina (Member, Reappointed)
- Doug Jarrell of Estill, South Carolina (Alternate, Reappointed)
- Jeff Roper of Lubbock, Texas (Member, Reappointed)
- Mason Becker of Brownfield, Texas (Alternate, Reappointed)
- Cliff Neece of Portales, New Mexico, At-Large (Member, Previously Served as Alternate)
- Don Sanders of Portales, New Mexico, At-Large (Alternate, Newly Appointed)
“Congratulations to the newly appointed Board members and alternates,” said NPB President and CEO Ryan Lepicier. “Serving on the National Peanut Board is a voluntary position, and we are grateful to have the experience of these appointees who are not only leaders in the peanut industry, but who are also active in their local communities. I look forward to working with them along with the rest of the Board to drive impact for all of America’s peanut farmers.”
The date the members and alternates will be sworn in by the USDA is to be determined.
The National Peanut Board is comprised of 12 producer members and their alternates. Eleven members and alternates are from the primary peanut producing states of Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas and Virginia. An at-large member and alternate represent the minor peanut producing states.
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About the National Peanut Board
The National Peanut Board represents USA peanut farmers and their families. Through research and marketing initiatives the Board is finding new ways to enhance production and increase consumer demand by promoting the great taste, nutrition and culinary versatility of USA-grown peanuts. For more information about the Board, visit www.nationalpeanutboard.org.