House of Raeford Announces Management Changes

ROSE HILL, NC – August 21, 2023.  House of Raeford Farms is pleased to announce the promotion of Chan Windham to Vice President of Sales.  In his new role, Windham will direct overall sales operations for the Ready-to-Cook, Cooked Products, and International divisions of the company. Windham is a nearly 30-year veteran of House of Raeford, and a valuable contributor to the success of the company.  Beginning as an Assistant Sales Manager at the W. Columbia, SC complex in 1995, Chan later moved to the Greenville, SC location as Sales Manager and most recently served as corporate Director of Commodity Sales.

In addition, Filet of Chicken (FOC), a division of the House of Raeford Farms’ Cooked Products Group, announces the retirement of three key managers.  Chuck Kendrew, complex manager since House of Raeford’s purchase of this further processing operation in 2014, stepped down on August 1, 2023.  He led operations at FOC a total of 23 years.  During his tenure, Chuck oversaw the growth of sales from $25 million to over $145 million annually. 

Also retiring are Terrell McElheney, Director of National Accounts, and Phil Smith, Director of Sales.  McElheney’s career in the chicken business spanned 46 years, the last 14 years with Filet of Chicken.  Smith worked over 47 years in poultry sales, joining FOC in 2001. 

Replacing Kendrew as Complex Manager is Patrick Pridgen who has spent over 20 years with Filet of Chicken in operations, sales, and purchasing capacities.  He began his career in the produce business with his father and grandfather while attending the University of Georgia. 

Marty Gautreau returns to FOC as Operations Manager after four years with House of Raeford’s Mocksville, North Carolina further processing operation as General Manager.  He also served three years with Brakebush Brothers as Director of Operations when they purchased the Mocksville facility in 2018.  Marty’s poultry experience began as Corporate Poultry Buyer for Sanderson Farms.

Finally, we are pleased to welcome Steven Bonasia to the FOC division as Director of National Account Sales.  He is a committed manager in further processed sales, offering an 18-year poultry sales and marketing and culinary services’ record of accomplishment.  His most recent experience was with Wayne – Sanderson Farms, marketing breaded and par-fried products to casual dining and quick service restaurant operations. 

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