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AgHC announces new director

Jeff Chandler

By Lightning Reports, Published: January 30, 2026

A longtime farm agent and agriculture researcher has been named executive director of Agribusiness Henderson County, the AgHC board announced last week. 

The new leader of the agent that promotes the agriculture industry, Jeff Chandler, is a native of Montgomery County, where his family operated a diversified farming operation — producing corn, soybeans, wheat and beef cattle.  A graduate of N.C. State University with bachelor’s degrees in both animal science and poultry science, he also has a master’s degree in crop science from N.C. State.

Chandler began his career working with N.C. Cooperative Extension Service as an agent serving first in Polk and then Wayne counties. He went on to join the research station system as assistant superintendent of the Cherry Research Farm in Wayne County.  He later was named superintendent of the Sandhills Research Station in Montgomery County.  Jeff and his family moved to Henderson County in 2012 when he became director for Research & Extension of the Mountain Horticultural Crops Research Center in Mills River. 

Chandler retired from N.C. State University in 2022 and began work with the North Carolina Soybean Producers Association as Research Coordinator. 

“Our board is ecstatic to announce Jeff as our executive director,” said AgHC board chair Kelly Cantrell.  “His extensive experience not only spans numerous agricultural areas, but also spans the southeast in terms of his knowledge and connections.”

“Henderson County is in a unique position to capitalize on agribusiness opportunities through public and private funding partners to enhance a strong agricultural business environment in partnership with smart growth goals for the county," Chandler said in remarks to the AgHc board and members. "I am excited to join AgHC in this role and work with the board of directors to further our mission to promote the economic development of agriculture and agribusiness in Henderson County. I also look forward to supporting our farmers to foster farm profitability in all aspects of Henderson County agriculture.”