Harrisonburg, Virginia-based Farmer Focus has appointed Liz Fuchs as chief people officer. She will succeed the retiring VP of human resources, Roy Norville, who led the company through its early growth stage.
“Liz joins Farmer Focus at a key time in our evolution and her experience and proven track record of leading companies through rapid growth will be invaluable to us,” said Erik Vaughan, Farmer Focus President and COO. “This is a vital role at our company that will help us continue to develop internal talent and build a best-in-class work culture.”
Fuchs’ previous leadership roles include VP of human resources for STR; global head of human resources for the Association for Talent Development, the world’s largest association dedicated to those who develop talent in organizations; and progressive leadership roles with Lockheed Martin and MITRE. She is a founding member of Chief, the only private membership network focused on connecting and supporting women executive leaders.
“Farmer Focus’ emphasis on sustainability – for family farms, the environment, and food production – initially drew me to the organization,” said Fuchs. “I value Farmer Focus’ commitment to enhancing the lives of its employees and their families in tangible ways that are fulfilling, both professionally and personally.”
Fuchs will work with Farmer Focus to attract and retain the talent needed for rapid expansion. She will also be tasked with maintaining Farmer Focus’ safety records and commitment to a high quality of life for its workers and farmers.
With more than 700 employees, Farmer Focus said it has achieved more than 4.5 million man-hours without a lost workday injury and a total recordable incident rate of .90, below the industry standard of 3.5. The company partners with over 70 family farmers, with over 100 farmers on the waiting list, to fulfill the growing consumer demand for its organic, humane and sustainably raised chicken.
This news is just the most recent indication of Farmer Focus’ growth and success. Other noteworthy metrics include:
- In 2021, the Farmer Focus farming family grew by 62 percent. The company currently partners with over 70 family farms, with over 100 more on the waiting list;
- Farmer Focus is the No. 1 fastest growing natural or organic chicken brand in grocery stores over the 52-week period ending 12.26.21 as indicated by IRI data; and
- Farmer Focus is the No. 2 organic chicken brand in grocery stores over the latest 26-week period ending 12.26.21 as indicated by IRI Sales Data.
For more information, visit farmerfocus.com.
Farmer Focus recently welcomed O’Loughlin and Lattmann to its board of directors. To read the full story reported by The Shelby Report, click here.
