Source: NCDA&CS, 4/6/15

Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler named Joe Sanderson of Fuquay-Varina as director of marketing for the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Sanderson replaces Tom Slade, who retired after 41 years of service, including 14 as the division director.

“Joe has a wealth of agricultural marketing experience between his 27 years with the department and his work in the private sector before that,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “I look forward to his leadership and direction in growing our marketing efforts, including the Got to Be NC program, and expanding sales of North Carolina products locally, nationally and internationally.”

Sanderson earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in agricultural education from N.C. State University.

Prior to joining the department, Sanderson worked for Conwood Corp. as a sales and marketing representative before joining Lorillard Inc. as a manufacturer sales and marketing representative.

In 1988, he came to work for the department as an ag marketing specialist and was promoted in 1991 to domestic marketing manager. In 1994, he was promoted to assistant director for domestic and international marketing development, a position he has held since.

Sanderson serves on the L.L. Polk Foundation Board, is a past president and member of the Needmore Ruritan Club of Fuquay-Varina and is a member of iLove Baptist Church.