Former Pork Council CEO Receives Lois Britt Service to the Industry Award

Deborah Johnson, who led the N.C. Pork Council for over a decade before leaving in 2016, became the seventh honoree of the Lois Britt Service to the Industry award. This special award celebrates the spirit of Lois Britt, who devoted her life to agriculture, education and service to the pork industry. It is awarded at the discretion of the N.C. Pork Council’s officers.“It is a pleasure to present this award to a friend of Lois’ and a friend of mine,” said Jan Archer, president of the National Pork Board. “Deborah Johnson did so much to support our industry. Thanks to her leadership, the N.C. Pork Council and the pork industry are better off today.”Deborah grew up on a farm and has always been an advocate of agriculture. After graduating from the University of North Carolina, she began her career in the pork industry with Prestage Farms. She also worked for NC State Ports Authority and Cape Fear Farm Credit before joining the NC Pork Council.During her time as CEO of NCPC, strong relationships were formed, and Deborah worked tirelessly to be an advocate for farmers and the industry. Her leadership saw an increase in barbecue promotion, and NCPC was able to be a founding sponsor for the award-winning PBS series "A Chef's Life." She was also a huge support system for NC Farm Families for which we are so appreciative.Deborah has done so much for North Carolina pork industry, and for that we are so grateful. She certainly has a servant's heart and a passion for agriculture. Deborah is certainly deserving of this award.