Here is news sent out by the Florida Farm Bureau Federation about some personnel changes taking place in their organization…
Pat Cockrell retires after 36 years
In June 1975, William Patrick Cockrell began his employment with Florida Farm Bureau. Thirty-six years later, on May 31, 2011, Pat is finally hanging up his saddle bag. And what a great 36 years it has been! His Farm Bureau career began as a field services representative. In 1978 he transferred to Commodity Activities as an assistant director and, following the division’s name change, became director of Ag Policy. He served as executive director of organizations and programs before being named assistant to the president a few years ago. Prior to his career with Farm Bureau, Pat was a vocational agriculture teacher and was recognized as one of five Outstanding Young Teachers in the Nation. He received an Honorary American FFA Degree in 2000; the IFAS Scholar Award in 2001; the UF/CALS Distinguished Alumnus Award in 2006; the Florida FFA Blue and Gold Award in 2007; and the Florida Association of Career and Technical Education Hall of Fame Award in 2008. This past February Pat was honored by his induction into the most prestigious Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame. Despite numerous health challenges during the past several years, Pat has maintained a work schedule and dedication to duty that will serve as a model for all those who come after him. Pat and his wife, Janice, have been a true Farm Bureau couple since they met at a county Women’s Meeting where he was speaking nearly 33 years ago. They have five children and seven grandchildren. Congratulations and Godspeed, Pat Cockrell. Come back and see us often.
Morgan and Craft promoted:
Kevin M. Morgan has been promoted to executive assistant to the president for Florida Farm Bureau Federation. He will serve as administrator and provide leadership for Florida Farm Bureau’s senior management team in the absence of FFB President John Hoblick. Morgan brings 27 years of Farm Bureau experience to his new position, including exemplary service in three different divisions – Field Services, Ag Policy and the Executive Office. He has served as the young farmer and rancher and women’s coordinator, director of ag policy and most recently as executive director.
• • • Joshua Craft has been promoted to director of field services for Florida Farm Bureau Federation. He will manage all programs and activities currently assigned to Field Services, including eight Assistant Directors who serve as the liaison between the 60 County Farm Bureaus and the Florida Farm Bureau, the YF&R and Women’s Programs and the Member Benefits Program. Craft comes from the Ag Policy Division where he was the lead staff person on issues concerning farm labor, pesticides and food safety.