Chairman of the Board
Ron represents the company’s second generation of Joyces. Ron came on board in 1971 after graduating from UNC-Charlotte with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration. In 1981, Ron took over leadership from his father, founder Alvin Joyce. Ron’s father taught him the importance of providing outstanding customer service in tandem with great products. In 2022, Ron passed the reins of the company to his two sons, Ryan and Stuart, who already played key roles on the management team as VP of Finance and VP of Operations respectively. Ron remains actively involved with the company as Chairman of the Board.
Ron has served as president of the National Poultry and Foods Distributor’s Association (NPFDA), Chairman of the NC Small Business Council, a board member of the NC Economic Development Board and the board of N.C. Free Enterprise Foundation. He currently serves on the N.C. Leadership Council of NFIB. Ron has received the NPFDA Man of the year award, the Poultry Vanguard Award, the WS Chamber Small Business Advocate Award, the NC NFIB Small Business Advocate Award. He was also presented the Order of the Long Leaf Pine by N. C. Governor James G. Martin. He currently splits his time between Winston-Salem and Florida, enjoying life with his wife Elena and their dogs Tima and Sassy.
President & CEO
As a third-generation leader at Joyce Farms, alongside his brother Stuart, Ryan works hard to preserve and grow Joyce Farms' enduring legacy of excellence as a premiere specialty meat and poultry producer. His journey with the company began early in childhood, watching his father Ron lead the company and learning the intricate workings of the family business. Ryan was inspired by his father’s contagious enthusiasm and dedication, and he developed a deep appreciation for the unique contributions of each team member, recognizing how these efforts collectively ensure the delivery of top-quality meat and poultry products.
In 2008, armed with a degree in Business Management from N.C. State University, Ryan officially joined Joyce Farms, marking the initiation of his professional journey within the family business. His commitment to personal and professional growth led him to pursue a JD/MBA at Wake Forest University in 2010. Shortly after passing the NC Bar, Ryan returned to Joyce Farms in 2014, assuming the role of Vice President of Finance.
The year 2022 marked a pivotal moment in the company's history as Ryan, in the company's 60th year, ascended to the roles of President & CEO. In this capacity, he oversees finance, human resources, quality assurance, information technology, and legal matters, ensuring the seamless functioning of critical aspects of the organization.
Ryan's vision for Joyce Farms is clear - to continue expanding the company's horizons while always upholding its core values, and staying nimble enough to adapt to future challenges.
Beyond his professional pursuits, Ryan is a licensed pilot, holding a Private Pilot Certificate; but when he isn’t working or flying, you will most likely find him spending quality time with his family— his wife Chelsea, daughter Harper, sons Oliver and Merrill, and their family dog, Goose.
Executive Vice President & COO
Stuart serves as Joyce Farms’ Executive Vice President and is part of the company’s third-generation of family leadership, along with his brother Ryan. Stuart's official journey with Joyce Farms began in 2010 when he assumed a role in Live Operations after graduating from N.C. State University with a degree in Agricultural Business Management and in 2015, moved to VP of Operations. However, Stuart's connection with Joyce Farms is far from recent.
From an early age, Stuart was immersed in the family business, spending after-school hours and summers working alongside his father, Ron. These formative experiences laid the foundation for his comprehensive understanding of poultry processing, accounting, and the intricate workings of the operation. Stuart's hands-on approach extended to repairing poultry houses, ensuring efficient feed systems, and forging lasting relationships with farmers and their families.
In 2022, Stuart assumed the role of Executive Vice President, marking a pivotal moment in his leadership journey. In this capacity, Stuart works to further develop Joyce Farms’ operational excellence, steering the company towards new heights while preserving its deep-rooted commitment to quality, transparency, tradition, and flavor.
Outside the office, Stuart is passionate about aviation and holds a Private Pilot Certificate. He also enjoys the outdoors, particularly hunting or visiting the mountains. In his free time, he loves spending time with his wife, Samantha, and their daughter, Natalie.
General Manager
Mark is currently responsible for Purchasing and Administration. Since joining Joyce Farms in 1999, Mark has played a number of key roles in our company. Having served as Farm Manager, Hatchery Manager, Shipping and Receiving Consultant, Controller and Administration Manager, Mark has worn many hats over his tenure. Mark received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1983. He then honed his accounting and financial leadership skills as Controller for a local funeral home. Mark lives in North Carolina and is so fascinated by the farming industry that he devotes time to his own operation. He and his family spend happy hours cultivating and running a mini-farm during the time he’s not working at Joyce Farms. He has a passion that truly aligns with ours.
Sales Manager
Nate is Joyce Farms’ dedicated Sales Manager and an expert in Joyce Farms' products and offerings. Nate leads our sales team in promoting and educating customers and distributor sales reps about our company and our unique lines of Heritage and Naked products. As a former chef himself, Nate can offer valuable guidance based on first-hand experience, about how Joyce Farms products can compliment a restaurant’s menu, attract repeat business, and enhance back-of-house efficiencies.
Nate's culinary journey started at the age of nine when he surprised his family by asking his grandmother to teach him how to bake a pie. "Grandma’s pie crust planted a seed that grew into a culinary journey," he fondly recalls. A graduate of Johnson & Wales University’s Culinary School, Nate honed his skills as a chef in various restaurants before bringing his expertise to Joyce Farms.
Not only does Nate excel in the world of culinary arts; he is also an avid outdoor sportsman, and you’ll often find him saltwater fishing, big-game hunting, or waterfowl hunting. In addition to his professional and outdoor pursuits, Nate enjoys spending quality time with his two children.
Nate's leadership, culinary expertise, and dedication to supporting responsible farming practices make him an invaluable member of the Joyce Farms team.
Director of Operations
As Joyce Farms’ Operations Manager, Eric Ivey ensures that the plant’s interconnected, daily operations run smoothly, including harvesting and processing, product packaging, and shipping and receiving. He joined the company in 2011, bringing with him poultry-industry experience as a Safety and Compliance Manager. Previously, Eric enjoyed a successful career working with birds of another feather – helicopters. For nearly 23 years, he proudly served his country as an active duty aviation professional in the U.S. Army. Following a fascination with helicopters that began in high school, Eric joined the Army as a Chinook Helicopter mechanic and progressed to Crew Chief, Flight Engineer and Flight Engineer Instructor, logging nearly 2,000 hours in the air. He retired from the Army as a Company First Sergeant, 1st Staff and Faculty Company at the U.S. Army Aviation Logistics School in Fort Eustis, Va. Eric and his wife, Galayn, reside in Clemmons, N.C., and have two daughters – Tanicia and Erika – and a son Khalil.
Quality Assurance Manager
Jennifer brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to her role as Joyce Farms Quality Assurance Manager. With a diverse background that includes previous roles as a North Carolina Department of Agriculture (NCDA) Inspector, Trainer, and Enforcement Investigations Analysis Officer (EIAO), Jennifer has honed her skills in ensuring compliance and upholding the highest standards. Her dedication to excellence extends beyond her professional roles. An avid deer hunter, she understands the importance of precision and attention to detail, qualities that she brings to her work every day.
Jennifer graduated from North Carolina State University with a degree in Animal Science, with a concentration in veterinary medicine. This foundation provides her with a deep understanding of the intricacies of animal health and welfare, further enhancing her ability to safeguard product integrity.
At Joyce Farms, Jennifer's role is not just about ensuring compliance; it's about protecting consumers and upholding the company's reputation for excellence. Her leadership and expertise are instrumental in ensuring that every product leaving our facility meets the highest standards of quality and safety.
Marketing Manager
Beth Hill is Joyce Farms’ resident specialist in marketing, graphic design, and online content. A native of Atlanta, Beth moved to North Carolina in 2003 to attend Elon University, where she earned a B.A. in Corporate Communications. She then worked at a small marketing agency in Winston-Salem before returning to Elon to pursue a Master’s degree in Interactive Media. Throughout school, Beth worked in several restaurants and gained an appreciation for the role that chefs and restaurateurs play, the challenges they face, and the importance of offering high quality food to customers. She is also passionate about humane animal treatment and responsible environmental practices, both of which helped lead her to join the Joyce Farms team in 2015.
Beth resides in Winston-Salem with her husband McNeal, their two boys, and several beloved pets. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, crafting, music, and photography.
Controller
Chris joined Joyce Farms a little over a year ago from the non-profit sector where he was a CFO and Finance Director for 18 years. Today he is responsible for all of our corporate and farm accounting. “It’s been a fun transition and is a great opportunity to be at Joyce Farms,” Chris explains. “It is exciting to see our items in the hands of chefs and those that appreciate our products.” Chris is also a semi-professional musician and can be found most weekends performing various genres of music – from country and bluegrass to rock and jazz – playing the electric guitar, the acoustic guitar, or the mandolin. “Being a musician, I can never be satisfied playing one type of music. It’s kind of like dining – you don’t want Poulet Rouge® chicken every day. Sometimes you want pheasant, or guinea, or grass-fed beef.”
Human Resources Manager
As Human Resources Manager at Joyce Farms, Christopher brings a genuine passion for making a positive impact on our company, and on the lives of our employees. With a background that includes serving as both a Human Resource Manager and a Claims Manager at Kemper Insurance, Christopher has a strong foundation in personnel management and a keen understanding of employee needs.
What Christopher loves most about his job at Joyce Farms is the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in people's lives every day. Whether it's through mentoring, providing support, or offering guidance, he takes pride in knowing that his efforts contribute to improving the morale and success of the company. Witnessing individuals grow and thrive in their careers brings him immense satisfaction, knowing that he played a part in equipping them with the tools and support they need to succeed.
Outside of work, Christopher finds joy in spending quality time with his children, whether they're exploring new places, playing games, or simply sharing stories. He also dedicates free time to coaching youth sports, and indulging in his passion for exotic cars, finding fascination in their sleek designs and powerful engines.
Christopher's dedication to fostering a positive work environment and supporting employee growth aligns perfectly with Joyce Farms' commitment to excellence and employee well-being. His leadership and compassion make him an invaluable asset to the team.