She may be young, but the decisiveness and leadership proficiency she shows in her job as Quality Assurance Coordinator for Aviagen’s Egg Distribution Center in Elkmont, Ala., is well beyond her years.
That’s why Aviagen nominated Holli Cothran, who was awarded the 30 under 30 award from the US Poultry and Egg Association (USPEA). USPEA’s President John Starkey presented the award at a breakfast on Feb. 13 at the Georgia World John Starkey presents Holli Cothran with 30 Under 30 Award at IPPE 2019 Congress Center during the 2019 International Poultry and Production Exhibition (IPPE), which took place Feb. 12-14 in Atlanta.
The award recognizes leadership qualities in beginning poultry professionals under the age of 30. USPEA initiated the 30 Under 30 program to stimulate leadership development in young leaders by involving them in valuable technology and educational programs.
Accomplished young leader
A 2015 poultry science graduate from Mississippi State University, Cothran’s first professional job was as a management trainee and later a broiler service technician for Peco foods. There she worked to ensure bird health, welfare and quality in feed mills, hatcheries and farms throughout Mississippi and Alabama. She joined Aviagen in March of 2017 as Quality Assurance Coordinator at the Talladega, Ala., Hatchery, and transferred to the Egg Distribution Center in September of last year.
As Quality Assurance Coordinator for Aviagen, she is responsible for maintaining the quality system and monitoring criteria that ultimately leads to the delivery of healthy, high-quality chicks to customers.
“To even be considered for this award is extremely humbling, but to actually receive it is a huge honor,” said Cothran. “I am incredibly thankful for those mentors who have taught me so much about the industry. Since my onboarding at Aviagen, I have been fortunate to work with a wonderful team of people who have helped to mold me into who am I today.”
Her manager Kalyn Reed, Aviagen’s Quality Assurance manager, speaks on Cothran’s optimistic attitude and passion for her work. “Holli has been a wonderful addition to the quality program. Her dedicated work ethic and personable nature have led her to thrive in every role she has filled. Holli has our full support and we are thrilled to celebrate her by nominating her as Aviagen’s 2019 30 under 30 award recipient. Personally, I can’t wait to see where the future takes her as an up-and-coming leader in the company.”
Developing the industry’s best
Aviagen is committed to encouraging continuous improvement in its employees. The company hires and develops top talent, and makes a conscious effort to recognize accomplishments that go above and beyond. Each year a new 30 under 30 award winner is chosen based on their leadership potential.
