Mountaire has announced the death of former president and board member David Pogge on Aug. 26.
Pogge led the poultry processing and feed company during its initial growth period, according to a release from company Chairman Ronnie Cameron and Dee Ann English, vice chairman. Arkansas’ Cameron family owns the company headquartered in Millsboro.
The company now employs more than 10,000 and has operations in Arkansas, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina.
Pogge joined Mountaire in June 1989 and retired in December 2012.
Following his graduation from Iowa State University in 1973, he worked for Cargill’s poultry division in various positions, including marketing manager, general manager and complex manager.
Pogge was hired as President & CEO of Mountaire Farms in June 1989, with the Selbyville complex its only holding at the time.
He worked with Ronnie Cameron in purchasing the Lumber Bridge site in 1996 and Millsboro in 2000, as well as the expansion of all three complexes. He also participated in the growth and development of the breeder operation in North Carolina, the purchase of the Westover, MD feed mill, and the construction of the Candor, NC feed mill.
According to Cameron and English, Pogge “initiated “operational excellence” throughout the company. He believed in tight operational disciplines and accountability. He also brought in Arbinger (a consulting firm) – and believed strongly in treating people well and motivating everyone to do their best. He left an amazing legacy in Mountaire with everyone who knew and worked with him.”
