History
The Arizona Cotton Ginners Association was organized in 1956 to unite growers, ginners, suppliers and government agencies.
Over the past 50 years the cotton industry has seen incredible advances in technology and the way the industry does business. The Arizona Cotton Ginners Association meets regularly to proactively tackle industry issues and strategically plan for the future of Arizona cotton.
Many of Arizona's leaders have gone on to lead the National Cotton Ginners Association and have had a place in determining the future of America's cotton market.
Mission Statement
It is the purpose of the Arizona Cotton Ginners Association to serve the common business interests of the people involved in and served by the cotton operations in Arizona.
This Mission Statement is Accomplished by:
- Encouraging and promoting the civic, commercial and business interests of its members and others related to the cotton industry by common interest.
- Acting as a unifying force in the Arizona ginning industry, encouraging and promoting cooperation among gins, customers and government agencies.
- Addressing and promoting safety issues in the workplace.
- Serving as a vehicle for combining the resources of the Arizona cotton gins to more effectively address shared issues and problems.
- Conducting and promoting instructive efforts directed at members of the industry, customers and the general public.
- Coordinating activities of Arizona cotton gins involved in the national issues addressed by the National Cotton Ginners Associations.
- Acquiring and disseminating scientific, technical, economic and educational information of value to the industry.
- Promoting good faith, integrity and fair business principals in the trade activities of its members.
Officers
Melissa Campbell
President - Interim
Greg Sugaski
Vice President - Interim
Kelci Murphree
Secretary
Nathan Goldman
Treasurer
National Cotton Council Delegates
Melissa Campbell
2025
Gene Seale
2025
Greg Sugaski
2025
Nathan Goldman
2024
David Hardin
2024
Bill Brackett
2023
Past Presidents
J.S. Francis
1956 - 1962
James Francis
1962 - 1964
C.R. Bell
1964 - 1966
Cliff Richardson
1966 - 1967
George Peck
1967 - 1968
G.H. Francis
1968 - 1970
Percy Hudson
1970 - 1971
R.H. Mitchell
1971 - 1972
Earl Foster
1972 - 1973
Clint White
1973 - 1974
Bruce Dickey
1974 - 1975
Bernie Allison
1975 - 1976
Bob Prikosivits
1976 - 1977
W.J. Reckling, Jr.
1977 - 1981
Jack Francis
1981 - 1983
Kenneth Crockett
1983 - 1984
Steve Straussner
1984 - 1986
Larry Warren
1986 - 1987
Timothy Keity
1987 - 1988
Tom Jepsen
1988 - 1989
Kempton Ashburn
1989 - 1990
Charles Owen
1990 - 1991
Jimmy Gale
1991 - 1992
Bob Burk
1992 - 1993
John Brady
1993 - 1994
Ronald Stanz
1994 - 1995
John Visic
1995 - 1996
Barbara Haralson
1996 - 1997
Jeff Ballentine
1997 - 1998
Russell Kuhnhenn
1998 - 1999
Kathy Lambert
1999 - 2000
Bill Brackett
2000 - 2001
Steve Straussner
2001 - 2002
Jim Gale
2002 - 2003
Tom Edge
2003 - 2004
Arnie Schlittenhart
2004 - 2006
Steve Straussner
2006 - 2007
Dwayne Alford
2007 - 2010
Greg Sugaski
2011 - 2012
Butch Gladden
2012 - 2013
Gary Phelps
2014 - 2018
Gene Seale
2019 - 2021
Life Members
Kempton Ashburn
Casa Grande
Tom Jepsen *
Casa Grande
Gesford Francis *
Peoria
Jack Francis *
Peoria
William J. Reckling, Jr. *
Phoenix
Larry Warren
Phoenix
Charles Owen *
Pima
Ron Stanz
Yuma
Joyce Stanz
Yuma
Jim Gale *
Coolidge
Kathy Lambert
Buckeye
Dr. Phil Wakelyn
Washington, D.C.
Barbara Haralson *
Safford
Lon Emerson
Glendale
Ed Hughes
Mesilla, NM
Dwayne Alford
Yuma
Rick C. Lavis *
Phoenix
* - Deceased