Tommy Bagwell, chairman and CEO of American Proteins, was inducted into the Northeast Georgia Business Hall of Fame on March 7. The event benefits Junior Achievement of Georgia.
Bagwell is well-known for his involvement in the economic and civic development of northeast Georgia, as well as the entire state. He is a Clemson graduate and is owner of American Proteins, the largest poultry protein and lipids conversion operation in the world. He was recently appointed to the Governor’s Energy Policy Council, is an active member of the Republican Governors Association, and is involved in many local organizations, such as the Northeast Georgia Council of the Boy Scouts, the Forsyth Rotary Club and the Kennesaw State University Board of Trustees. Bagwell’s work ethic and dedication highlights for students the drive needed to be successful in today’s global economy and demonstrates the importance of personal service to fellow man and the community.
Bagwell is a member of the USPOULTRY Foundation’s board of directors. Tommy and Chantal Bagwell recently provided the USPOULTRY Foundation with a $1 million gift to endow the Leland Bagwell Education and Innovation Fund. The fund was established in memory of Leland Bagwell, founder of American Proteins and past chairman of Southeastern Poultry & Egg Association (now USPOULTRY). The $1 million gift will be used to support student recruitment, cooperative education programs and graduate student research support, with an emphasis on innovation, education, and providing opportunities to lower-income students.
“It is indeed a pleasure to see Tommy receive this distinction for both his tremendous business skills and his extensive dedication to civic-mindedness,” remarked fellow USPOULTRY Foundation board member, Elton Maddox, president and CEO, Wayne Farms. Maddox was inducted into Northeast Georgia Business Hall of Fame last year.
