Retired Perdue Chicken Prez to Address Buckhead Business Association Luncheon

J. Mike Roberts, retired president of Perdue Poultry, will deliver the keynote address at the Buckhead Business Association Signature Luncheon on Thursday, October 25.

Roberts will discuss the volatile protein industry and how drastic changes in pricing can significantly affect consumers of today and the future.

"We are honored to host Mike Roberts as the featured speaker at our Signature Luncheon,” said Catherine Cattles, president of the BBA, in a statement. “And we look forward to an exciting event celebrating Buckhead’s finest civil servants.”

J. Mike Roberts retired as President of Perdue Poultry and Food Products, the third largest U.S. poultry company, in August 2012. He continues to work with the company as a consultant and advisor.

A Georgia native, Roberts has more than 40 years of experience in the poultry industry managing all aspects of the most integrated protein business. Beginning his career with ConAgra Foods in 1972, he served in a variety of roles from human resources to operations. 

Shifting to the West in 1982, he joined Foster Farms, the market leader of the West Coast located in California, Oregon and Washington. Serving as Vice President of Foster Farms Chicken Operations provided the retail marketing and sales experience required to advance his career.

Roberts assumed his position with Perdue Farms, Inc. in 2002 — a multi-billion dollar operation — to increase their branded fresh business and to diversify their products in frozen and prepared foods.

He was responsible for creating a new Innovation center, increasing International business, expanding to the Southeast by creating the largest poultry operation in Georgia with over 2000 employees, and acquiring Coleman Foods, Inc.

He is a past Chairman and member of the Executive Committee of the National Chicken Council, served on the Board of Directors of the US Egg and Poultry Association, Trustee on the Foundation Board for University of California State, Stanislaus; Peninsula Regional Hospital Foundation Board of Trustees; United Way Board, and numerous others.

He received his B.S in Sociology and Psychology from the University of Chattanooga; Harvard Advanced Management Program in International Agriculture.

If you go: The Buckhead Business Association Signature Luncheon will take place Thursday, October 25, from 11:30  a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the 103 West, Grand Ballroom, 103 West Paces Ferry Road. Tickets are $50 for BBA members and $75 for visitors and guests. Visit the BBA website for more info.

Come join the rest of the Buckhead Patch fans on Facebook!  It's Patch and Facebook together. Doesn't get much better than that.

-The Buckhead Business Association contributed to this report.