Abit Massey Recipient of Harold E. Ford Foundation Award

Abit Massey, president emeritus of the Georgia Poultry Federation, was honored by U.S. Poultry & Egg Association during the 2012 International Poultry Expo, where he received the Harold E. Ford Lifetime Achievement Award.

This prestigious honor was presented to Massey by Harold E. Ford, past president of USPoultry and for whom the award was named.

The Harold E. Ford Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to an individual whose dedication and leadership over the years have far exceeded the ordinary and impacted both the poultry industry and US Poultry & Egg Association in an exemplary manner.

The award is presented non-annually and when the Awards and Recognition Committee unanimously recognizes and endorses the need for occasional, unique recognition for exceptional contributions.

“In addition to being recognized as a Georgia poultry industry icon, Abit is recognized as a leader in several fields, including the lobbying profession, association management field, and among collegiate supporters,” remarked Gary Cooper, immediate past chairman of USPoultry.

“Abit is well respected and highly regarded within the industry; and his legacy will be acknowledged for many years to come.”

John Starkey, president of USPOULTRY, commented, “Abit has labored diligently and efficiently on behalf of the Georgia poultry industry, and his touch can be seen and felt on many of the initiatives and programs that have contributed to the state’s poultry success, as well as nationally.”

“On behalf of our Association, Abit has provided a constant source of knowledge and experience. He has been a visionary in evaluating the industry’s future needs and has acted to address those needs.”

“The hallmark of Abit’s career has been his integrity and his personal touch, which forms the foundation of every relationship he has.”

A graduate of the University of Georgia and an Eagle Scout, Massey is past chairman of the board of directors for the American Society of Association Executives, past president of the Georgia Society of Association Executives and GSAE Foundation, past president of the University of Georgia Alumni Association, and organizer and first president of the State Poultry Executives Association.

Massey has been listed twice by Georgia Trend as one of the 100 Most Influential Georgians.

He received the Inaugural Medallion of Honor for Service to the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences in June 2006 and the seventh Presidential Citation presented by Georgia Tech in March 2009.

He has also been recognized with the 2008 Distinguished Service Award from the Agricultural
Economics Association of Georgia and received the Key to the City of Gainesville, GA, in December 2008.