February 9, 2013
Contact:
Marjory Walker
(901) 274-9030
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The Memphis-based National Cotton Ginners Association (NCGA) elected its 2013 officers on February 8 during its annual meeting in Memphis, TN.
The new slate is: president - Richard Kelley, Burlison, TN; first vice president - Dwayne Alford, Yuma, AZ; second vice president - Levin Lynch, Bennettsville, SC; third vice president – Ron Craft, Plains, TX; and chairman - Lee Tiller, Odem, TX; Harrison Ashley of Cordova, TN, serves as NCGA's executive vice president.
Kelley, who moves up from NCGA first vice president, is the owner of the Burlison Gin Company. He has served on and chaired numerous NCGA committees. He is a NCC director, member of multiple NCC committees and member of Cotton Council International's board.
In addition, Jimmy Roppolo, an El Campo, TX, ginner, was named the 2012 Horace Hayden National Cotton Ginner of the Year. That award is presented annually to a ginner in recognition of: 1) able, efficient and faithful service to the ginning industry and 2) continuing those principles exemplified and practiced by Horace Hayden, a former NCGA executive secretary.
Also recognized at the NCGA's annual meeting was Dennis "Dusty" Findley, Jr., chief executive officer of the Southeastern Cotton Ginners Association. He received the 2012-2013 NCGA Distinguished Service Award -- an honor reserved for those individuals who have provided a career of distinguished service to the U.S. ginning industry.