By Marla Jones, Managing Editor • marla@southerntorch.com

RAINSVILLE, Ala. — Three weeks ago, Rafe Starkey took the reins as the new Director of the Northeast Alabama Agri-Business Center.

Starkey, a Pisgah alumni and Northeast Alabama Community College (NACC) graduate, expressed his excitement about his new position.

“With my background in rodeo and team roping, this is along the lines of what I love to do,” stated Starkey.

Starkey last served as a herd manager at Lake Majestic Farm in Flat Rock. He worked with a contractor for four years along with being self-employed with chicken houses, giving him the necessary knowledge to do the job. Starkey holds a degree in electronics from NACC.

Starkey is married to Chante Starkey and they have three boys: Colter (seven years old), Bronson (six years old) and baby Elijah (four weeks old). The Starkeys reside on a farm in Pisgah.