Full-service equipment manufacturer and engineering supplier D&F Equipment Sales is announcing the appointment of Kevin Parnell as vice president of operations, a strategic leadership addition that strengthens the company’s operational depth as it continues its growth across the poultry, meat and prepared foods industries.

Parnell brings more than 30 years of operations experience, including over 25 years in the poultry industry, with a proven track record of leading large-scale manufacturing environments, mentoring leadership teams and driving measurable improvements in efficiency, productivity and profitability. He joins D&F after a 21-year career with AlaTrade Foods, where he most recently served as vice president of operations.

In his new role, Parnell will be overseeing operations for D&F Engineering, CAD, and Shop, Alabama Machine Works, Arkansas Machine Works and PartsXpress.

“Kevin brings a rare combination of operational discipline, people-first leadership, and deep industry understanding,” said Adam Walker, senior vice president of D&F Equipment Sales. “He understands our customers because he has spent decades in their world. His experience, character, and mindset make him a tremendous asset to our team and to every customer we serve.”

Parnell’s career began in the lumber industry, where he developed a strong foundation in production efficiency and hands-on leadership. In 1995, he transitioned into poultry processing with Tyson Foods in Dardanelle, Ark., advancing from production supervisor to night shift superintendent and later production coordinator. After a brief return to the lumber industry, where he led significant production improvements, he reentered poultry processing with H&L Poultry, before joining AlaTrade Foods in 2004.

At AlaTrade, an employee-owned poultry processing company, Parnell spent 15 years in various plant management roles across multiple facilities, mentoring leaders, strengthening customer relationships, and reinforcing the company’s presence within its communities. In 2020, he was named vice president of operations, where he directed operations across three processing plants employing more than 1,500 employee-owners. In that role, he led all capital investment initiatives while maintaining a strong focus on continuous improvement, operational excellence and long-term growth.

“I have admired the integrity of service and quality of product as I have observed and worked with D&F throughout my career in poultry processing,” said Parnell. “I often thought about moving from the processing to the manufacturing side of the industry, but I would not leave a company I know and trust and have served for over 21 years unless it was for an opportunity to come to a company that I equally know and trust. I am excited to learn from the team and help lead D&F into even greater things ahead.”

Originally from Bradley County, Ark., Parnell learned the value of hard work early and has remained active in civic and industry organizations throughout his career, including long-standing involvement with the Alabama Poultry & Egg Association, where he currently serves on the executive board. Parnell resides in Albertville, Ala., with his wife of 30 years, and together they have two adult children who are successful music educators in North Alabama.

Founded in 1987, D&F Equipment Sales is a full-service equipment manufacturer and engineering supplier serving the poultry, meat, and prepared foods industries. With capabilities spanning engineering, fabrication and service and installation, D&F delivers custom-built conveying and processing solutions designed to improve efficiency, streamline operations and solve complex plant challenges. The creation of the vice president of operations role and the appointment of Parnell mark a strategic step forward as D&F Equipment Sales approaches its 40-year milestone anniversary in 2027.

Parnell will join the D&F team at IPPE 2026, held Jan. 27–29 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, where the company will showcase its integrated approach and nearly four decades of expertise.

Source: D&F Equipment Sales