Dr. Sam Pardue is the Head of the Poultry Science Department at North Carolina State University. He has more than 25 years of experience in research and teaching in the field of poultry science. 

Throughout this career, Dr. Pardue has co-invented three patents and received more than $1.8 million in grants and contracts for his poultry research activities. He has earned numerous accolades throughout his teaching career, including his induction into North Carolina State University’s Academy of Outstanding Teaching and the Purina Mills Award for Outstanding Teaching. Currently, he is recognized as the Alumni Distinguished Undergraduate Professor at North Carolina State University. 

Dr. Pardue received both his Bachelor of Science degree in Poultry Science and Ph.D. in physiology from N.C. State University. You can reach him here. 

 

Brian Rodgers is the corporate director of safety and risk management for Butterball, LLC – the country’s most recognized poultry processor. As a member of Butterball’s executive team, Mr. Rodgers develops and implements enterprise and operational risk and insurance management programs. 

Certified as an associate of risk management (ARM), Mr. Rodgers possesses keen awareness in identifying and reducing employee safety hazards. With these skills sets, he strategically manages Butterball’s safety programs, occupational health services, regulatory compliance and facility security requirements. 

Mr. Rodgers’ expertise has helped Butterball develop its exemplary worker safety programs, earning the respect of reputable industry organizations. The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s Voluntary Protection Program (OSHA VPP) designated four of the six Butterball plants as STAR Sites – a prestigious occupational safety recognition at the following locations: Jonesboro, Ark., Ozark, Ark., Huntsville, Ark. and Carthage, Mo. Additionally, the North Carolina OSHA VPP named Butterball’s Mt. Olive, NC plant a Rising STAR Site in 2008. 

Mr. Rodgers received his Bachelors of Public Administration at San Diego State University and a Masters of Public Administration from The University of Phoenix.