Sanderson Farms : PHIL LIVINGSTON

After 32 years of serving on Sanderson Farms' board of directors, Phil Livingston is the second longest serving member of the board. During his service on the company's board of directors, Livingston served as lead independent director from 2009 until his recent retirement from that position on October 31. Sanderson Farms' shareholders, bankers, financial analysts and regulators admired Livingston for his independent voice and leadership throughout his tenure as lead independent director.

"During his more than 32 years of service to Sanderson Farms, Phil has distinguished himself with his deep knowledge and abilities related to the poultry industry and its many cycles," said Joe F. Sanderson Jr., chairman of the board and chief executive officer of Sanderson Farms. "The expertise and leadership developed during his service to the company has been invaluable to the management team and his fellow board members."

In addition to his role on Sanderson Farms' board of directors, Livingston held many leadership roles in the banking industry including serving as chairman and chief executive officer of Citizens National Bank Corp., chairman and chief executive officer of Deposit Guaranty National Bank, president and chief executive officer of Citizens National Bancshares, Inc., president for south Louisiana for First American National Bank, and president for the Louisiana Bankers Association. He received an undergraduate degree from Mississippi State University.

"Phil's commitment and dedication to Sanderson Farms are evidenced by the countless hours he has devoted to his position on the board of directors," said Mike Cockrell, treasurer, chief financial officer and chief legal officer of Sanderson Farms. "He has served in his role as lead independent director with professionalism, integrity, humility, compassion and humor."

In addition to serving on Sanderson Farms' board of directors, Livingston currently serves on the member-patient family advisory council for North Oaks Health System, as well as serving on the member-area advisory council at Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center.