SALISBURY, Md. – Perdue Farms recently made two executive appointments focusing on leadership in the areas of sustainability and live production. Steve Levitsky was named vice president of sustainability, while Mike Levengood was named to the new position of vice president, chief animal care officer and farmer relationship advocate for Perdue Foods LLC. 

Steve Levitsky, vice president of sustainability for Perdue Farms

Levitsky joins Perdue from American Sugar Refining Inc. in Baltimore, where he served as director of corporate sustainability and helped create and implement a global sustainability program. In his new role at Perdue, Levitsky will be responsible for advancing the company’s progress in achieving sustainable growth, fostering working relationships with a broad-spectrum of stakeholders at the federal, state and local level, and serving as Perdue’s spokesperson on sustainability and environmental matters.

Levitsky holds a Bachelor of Science in environmental resource management, a master’s degree in business administration and completed graduate degree soil science classes to obtain soil scientist certification. All of his degrees are from Pennsylvania State Univ.

Levengood has spent 31 years working for Perdue. In his role as chief animal care officer and farmer relationship advocate, Levengood will manage and ensure compliance with Perdue’s poultry welfare and biosecurity programs. He also will be responsible for advancing relationships with Perdue’s contract poultry growers.

“We’re pleased to welcome Steve to Perdue,” said Jim Perdue, chairman of the company. “His breadth of experience and proven performance in aligning business strategy to sustainability opportunities make him an excellent choice to advance our commitment to growing our company sustainably, enhancing our reputation as a responsible corporate citizen and living up to our commitment to being responsible stewards of the natural resources we use.” 

Mike Levengood, vice president, chief animal care officer/farmer relationship advocate, Perdue Foods LLC

Levengood joined Perdue as a flock advisor working with farm families, the company noted. He serves on the board of the US Poultry and Egg Association, is a past chairman of the National Chicken Council Growout Committee. He still serves on the committee in an advisory role. Levengood has a bachelor’s degree in agricultural business management from Pennsylvania State Univ.

“Creating this new position brings greater focus and attention to these important areas of our belief in responsible food and agriculture, and as we work to fulfill our mission ‘to be the most trusted name in food and agricultural products,’” said Randy Day, president of Perdue Foods.