Charles in Charge
April 14, 2011 Charles Parker, a Senath, MO, cotton producer, was elected chairman of the National Cotton Council (NCC) for 2011 during the NCC’s annual meeting held in San Antonio in early February. Parker served as the NCC’s vice chairman in 2010 and succeeds Eddie Smith, a Floydada, TX, cotton producer.
“Charles we are extremely fortunate that you have agreed to answer the industry’s call to serve as the Council chairman in 2011, bringing your proven leadership and expertise with you. We wish you the very best in your year of service,” said Smith, speaking to a packed audience at the Annual meeting. In introducing the incoming Council chairman, Smith spent much of his allotted time rattling off a laundry list of service activities that Parker has been involved in over the years.
Parker is chairman of the NCC’s Boll Weevil Action Committee, and served as the Missouri state chairman for the American Cotton Producers from 1995-2007. He served as chairman of The Cotton Foundation in 2008-09 and as its president in 2007-08.
Active in state and regional organizations, Parker is past president of the Cotton Producers of Missouri and the Arkansas Agricultural Council. In 1995, he was the recipient of Cotton Grower magazine’s Cotton Achievement Award, which recognizes growers who are outstanding innovators, sound stewards of the environment, and leaders in the cotton industry as well as their communities.
Parker, a partner in Parker and Jones Farms, also is the vice president of Farmers Union Gin in Senath and a director of Planters Cotton Oil Mill in Pine Bluff, AR. In addition, he serves as chairman of Progressive Farm Credit in Sikeston, MO, is chairman of Missouri Cotton Growers and a director of the Southeast Boll Weevil Foundation.
A Harding University graduate and a certified public accountant, Parker is active in his church and community. He also serves on Harding University’s President’s Advisory Council and is a director of Crowley’s Ridge College. He and his wife, Phyllis, have two daughters and six grandchildren.
“As Chairman of the National Cotton Council, I will do my best to represent all segments of the industry. With the help of a united cotton industy, I look forward to helping shape a more positive future for cotton,” said Parker.
The NCC’s vice chairman for 2011 is C.B. “Chuck” Coley, a Vienna, GA, producer and ginner.
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