Gene Parsons | 1999

Gene Parsons was born in Waco, Texas and spent the early days of his life on a farm near Waco, Texas until World War II.  Gene is a Naval Officer veteran of World War II and served with distinction in the Pacific Theater and saw action in the Okinawa engagement.  After World War II, Gene returned to Baylor University and completed his BBA degree.

Gene’s tremendous capability in public relations began at an early age when he started selling “Liberty” magazines door-to-door while attending grade school and helping his parents in their share-crop farming operation.  Gene has had a very outstanding career in public relations and sales his entire life. He has worked in display advertising and owned an advertising and motivational management agency.  Other positions have included being  general manager of a dairy products company in Waco, Texas and later a partner and vice-president of Gilt Edge Farms Dairy in Norman, Oklahoma.

Community activities while at Waco, Texas included being president of the Junior Chamber of Commerce, Chamber of Commerce, Kiwanis and Goodwill Industries.

Gene became the State Executive of the Oklahoma Pork Council on January 1, 1995.  During his tenure, the swine industry in Oklahoma has grown nearly ten-fold.  Gene very capably guided the Oklahoma Pork Council during this expansion to effectively serve the industry.  A big key to his success was the assistance of his wife, Janine.

Gene’s strengths are making things happen, analyzing people and getting them motivated.  He excels in enthusiasm and will make personal sacrifices to make the “right things” happen.  The Oklahoma Pork Council is extremely appreciative for his guidance and leadership through the last four years.  His secret of success is his attitude that “any goal is possible to attain if you don’t care who gets credit.”