ROGERS, AR (June 2025) – The Poultry Federation (TPF) proudly recognized three outstanding individuals during its annual Industry Awards Ceremony, held as part of the 65th Annual Poultry Festival. Each award highlights dedication, leadership, and long-standing contributions to the poultry and egg industry across Arkansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma.
Dr. Matilde Alfonso was named Allied Industry Leader of the Year for Production in recognition of her two-decade career that spans across the global poultry health sector. As Sara Throne of Simmons Foods shared during the presentation, “She’s had a major impact on breeder and hatchery operations across the U.S. and is known for digging in alongside teams to solve complex health challenges. From pioneering respiratory health strategies to launching innovative coccidiosis tools, she makes complicated science accessible to everyone—from growers to leadership teams.” Originally from Spain, Dr. Alfonso began her career as a lamb meat quality specialist and now brings her expertise to Cobb’s internal and customer-facing operations.
Pictured left to right: Sara Throne, Simmons Foods, Matilde Alfonso, Cobb Vantress, Marvin Childers, The Poultry Federation
Scott Davis, Director of Sales for FPEC, received the Allied Industry Leader of the Year for Processing. Presented by Blake Rollins, Executive Vice President of TPF, Davis was praised for his integrity, leadership, and more than 30 years of service in poultry, food, and manufacturing. “Scott is a true industry veteran with a sustained track record of success and is deeply respected by his peers and clients alike,” said Rollins. “This recognition is long overdue and well deserved.”
Pictured left to right: Marvin Childers, The Poultry Federation, Scott Davis, FPEC, Blake Rollins, The Poultry Federation
The evening’s highest honor, Industry Leader of the Year, was presented to Mark Weathers, Vice President of Live Operations at Simmons Foods. In his remarks, Keith Smith of Keith Smith & Company described Weathers as “a leader who develops people and invests in the next generation of industry professionals.” With a career spanning more than 30 years across multiple Arkansas broiler companies, Weathers has become a cornerstone of both his company and the broader agriculture community. “He brings care, wisdom, and humility to every interaction—whether he’s working with growers, employees, or industry leaders. As one colleague put it best: ‘Best boss ever.’”
Pictured left to right: Marvin Childers, The Poultry Federation, Scott Davis, FPEC, Blake Rollins, The Poultry Federation
Each of these individuals exemplifies the excellence and dedication that drive the success of the poultry and egg industry. TPF is proud to celebrate their achievements and their continued commitment to innovation, people, and progress.
About The Poultry Federation:
The Poultry Federation is a multi-state trade organization that represents the poultry and egg industry in Arkansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. TPF promotes and protects the interests of the industry and serves as a unified voice before state governments. Its membership includes every segment of the industry—from production and processing to support services and allied businesses.
For more information, visit www.thepoultryfederation.com.
Media Contact:
Holly Duval
Director of Marketing & Business Development
The Poultry Federation
(501) 375-8131
