Special to Atmore News
Coastal Growers LLC recently moved into the newly constructed offices at 250 Carpet Dr, Atmore. The peanut shelling facility is at 75 percent completion. Coastal Growers LLC anticipates the first peanuts of the season to roll through the plant mid-September 2021. During this growth phase, President / CEO Dirk Lindsey has announced multiple positions that have been filled in the corporate office.
Beth Parmer is the chief financial officer. She earned both a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and a Master of Accountancy degree from the University of Alabama in 2000 and 2001, respectively. She started her career in public accounting at BDO Seidman in Atlanta as an audit associate in their audit practice. From there, she moved to Medtronic where she served as a regional financial analyst. Upon moving back to Alabama, she worked as the accountant for Peacock Pavers and most recently she worked in several accounting positions for the Poarch Band of Creek Indians. Beth is excited for the new opportunities that Coastal Growers is bringing to the local community and is happy to be a part of the team. Beth lives in Huxford with her husband, Brannon, and their three children – Bella, Brooklyn and Brady.
Anthony Martin is director of operations. He has a passion for solving problems and maximizing efficiencies. He earned a mechanical engineering degree from Clemson University and is a licensed professional engineer in the State of Alabama. He started his career with Golden Peanut / ADM in Headland, Ala., as the maintenance and reliability engineer / supervisor where he implemented a preventative maintenance program and reduced unplanned downtime. He left GPC to pursue engineering at Fluid Engineering where he served as both the design engineer and construction project manager for dust collection, pneumatic conveying, pumping, and explosion protection systems. He is excited to be back in the shelling plant and is counting down the days to startup. He and his wife Melissa have three daughters: Lily Jane (4), Bree (2), and Eloise (0). When he’s not at work he’s spending time in his wood shop, smoking / grilling on his Weber Kettle, or enjoying time with his family.
David Dexter is the director of human resources. David has a very diverse background to include industries such as retail, distribution, auto manufacturing and food manufacturing. David started his HR career with Advance Auto Parts and has held roles of increasing responsibility at several manufacturing companies including New Era, Yamaha, Newell Rubbermaid, AM/NS Calvert, Post Holdings Inc., and most recently, Foster Farms. David’s 20-year HR career has focused on HR business partnerships, influencing management, and handling a broad range of HR issues globally and domestically. David also possesses superior interpersonal skills and has a solid knowledge of employee relations, new hire orientation, employment laws, payroll administration and benefit administration. David graduated from Troy University where he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Business and a Master of Science in Human Resources Management. David and his wife, Kawana currently live in Semmes, Ala., with their four children, Jeremy, Rylee, Trinity, and Jada. When not working, David likes to spend his time traveling the country and attending his favorite sporting events with family and friends.
Rick Colley is the Coastal Growers LLC plant manager. Rick graduated from Early County High School in Blakely, Ga. He worked at a sewing factory for 10 years before entering the peanut business in 1996 at Golden Peanut Company (located in Headland, Ala.). Rick started out as a sheller operator, was then promoted to Remill lead man in 1999 and then to shift supervisor in January of 2008. Prior to joining Coastal Growers team, Rick lived in Fort Gaines, Ga., with his wife of 11 years. He is excited to be a part of Coastal Growers and looks forward to the challenges ahead to make this a successful venture.
Jennifer Peacock Sanders started with Coastal Growers in March 2021. Jennifer is an Atmore local and has a passion for her community. She earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of South Alabama where she focused on the communications aspect of public relations and community development. She will be working as the office manager which will entail close working relationships with the eight buying points across the southeast and also handling the communications / social media for the company. Jennifer is excited about the opportunities that Coastal Growers will provide for both the employees and the community. Outside of work hours, you will find Jennifer spending time with her three children – ages 15, 4, 3 – usually camping, swimming, or finding some adventure that involves kiddos and messes!