Byrd Cookie Company recently hired Kenneth R. Prater as the company’s new human resource manager. Prater brings nearly 25 years of human resources experience at Claxton Poultry Farms as well as seven years of personnel-focused training in the United States Air Force to his position at Byrd. 

As Human Resource Manager, Prater is responsible for maintaining and enhancing Byrd Cookie Company’s Human Resources department by planning, implementing and evaluating employee relations and HR policies, programs and practices. He will be integral in helping Byrd successfully onboard more than 50 new employees as part of the company’s strategic expansion.

“Kenneth’s experience managing thousands of employees in Claxton and his impressive military background make him a great addition to our team,” said Stephanie Lindley, Byrd Cookie Company’s CEO. “His dedication to creating a positive environment for current and prospective team members will help us reach even higher levels of success in the future.”

Before joining Byrd Cookie Company, Prater served as the employment manager for Claxton Poultry Farms in Claxton, Ga. In his role, he created a progressive orientation process, which enabled the hiring of more than 9,000 employees and improved employee retention. He also served as the company’s Human Resource Manager and was responsible for diligent payroll record-keeping for more than 1,700 employees, administering appropriate disciplinary action as well as managing and training a team of human resource clerks in all areas of office and personnel operations.

Prater, a recipient of the Air Force Achievement Medal and Air Force Commendation Medal, served the United States Air Force during Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. As a Readiness Specialist, he helped thousands of military families relocate while maintaining procedure and securing top-secret information.

After graduating with honors from the Air Force Technical Training School, Prater rose up the ranks quickly and served as a base career advisor at the Cannon Air Force Base in New Mexico.

A native of West Virginia, Prater resides in Claxton, Ga. and is based at Byrd Cookie Company’s newly renovated headquarters on Waters Avenue in Savannah, Ga.

Originally founded in Savannah in 1924, Byrd is one of the largest and fastest-growing independent cookie and snack companies in the United States. Byrd bakes more than three tons of cookies daily in 16 bite-sized flavors, including Key Lime Coolers, Georgia Peach, Scotch Oatmeal, Benne Wafers, Chocolate Chip and Salted Caramel. Byrd Cookie Company operates successful retail stores in Savannah, Ga. and Charleston, S.C.