The U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY) has appointed Matthew Spencer as director of human resources & safety programs. In his position, Spencer will be responsible for the strategic management of certain USPOULTRY technical services provided to or on behalf of Association members, including worker safety, human resources and employment law programs.
Spencer joins USPOULTRY from Smithfield Foods where he worked as health safety manager, responsible for establishing safety practices and procedures, conducting comprehensive onsite OSHA and health wellness reviews, maintaining OSHA compliance at five Midwest harvesting/processing sites, etc. Prior to joining Smithfield Foods, he spent several years with other companies, including Exide Technologies, where he served as director of safety and compliance North America distribution. Spencer was responsible for managing the environmental, health and safety department in addition to ensuring DOT, OSHA and EHS compliance at 78 locations in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.
Spencer received a Bachelor of Science, Occupational and Environmental Safety and Health degree from Columbia Southern University in Alabama. He is a Registered Environmental Manager, Certified Safety and Emergency Manager, and OSHA Authorized 501 General Industry Instructor.
“I am pleased to join the USPOULTRY team. The Association includes professionals in their fields who are dedicated to the support of the poultry industry, and I look forward to my role in helping accomplish our mission,” said Spencer.
“USPOULTRY is excited to welcome Matt to our organization. We are confident that his strong health, safety and environmental background will be an asset to USPOULTRY’s ability to serve the industry,” said John Starkey, USPOULTRY president.
Paul Pressley retiring
Spencer is replacing Paul Pressley, who is retiring in spring 2017. Pressley has been USPOULTRY’s executive vice-president of industry programs since 2007 and previously served as director of risk management and insurance for Gold Kist. He was with Gold Kist for 26 years prior to joining USPOULTRY.
“Paul has been a tremendous asset for our organization. We wish nothing but the best for him, and his wife, Nell, in a well-earned retirement following a dedicated, vigorous and conscientious career,” remarked Starkey.
