Fifth-generation cotton farmer Jim Davis of New Market, Ala., has been tapped as the new CEO for Southern Cotton Growers, Inc., according to a July 25 statement from Joe Martin, SCG president.

Jim Davis, new CEO for Southern Cotton Growers Inc.

Davis will bring to the role his background in farming as well as more than 30 years with the National Cotton Council. Current CEO Dave Ruppenicker will retire on Dec. 31.

In his new role, Davis' responsibilities will include encouraging solidarity and collaboration around research and industry.

Officially starting in his new role on Oct. 1, Davis will be the organization's fourth CEO since the organization's beginning in 1964.

Southern Cotton Growers, Inc. is the largest pure cotton organization in the country, representing the biggest cotton area in the US, featuring producers in Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Florida and Virginia. The organization was originally known as Uplands Cotton Growers, Inc., and is also a certified producer organization authorized to name producer delegates to various industry boards, organizations and councils.

"I feel confident that through Jim’s leadership, the organization will continue to prosper and uphold the motto of maintaining prosperity for the Southeast cotton producer," Martin said in a statement. "He will no doubt leave his mark in the storied legacy of this 6-decade old organization."