Distinguished Alumni

Derrick Tice serves as president of Aviagen North America, a position he assumed in December 2025. As a member of the company's Executive Management Board, he oversees all North American operations for Aviagen, the global leader in poultry genetics. Since joining the company in 2007, Tice has advanced through a range of leadership roles spanning operations, quality assurance, and regional management, building a reputation for servant leadership, operational excellence, and a people-first approach.

Prior to his current role, Tice gained valuable industry experience in strategic account leadership with Boehringer Ingelheim, further strengthening his expertise in animal health and agricultural systems. Alongside his professional career, he dedicated 20 years of service to the Alabama Army National Guard. A retired major, Tice deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and received multiple awards recognizing excellence in engineering and sustainment.

A graduate of MSU, Tice earned a bachelor's degree in poultry science management in 2007, grounding his leadership in a strong foundation of applied science and industry focused education. He credits that foundation with preparing him to lead complex operations in a rapidly evolving global food system.

Tice and his wife of 18 years, Marisa, live in Huntsville, Alabama, with their three children. They remain actively engaged in their faith, their community, and the agricultural industry they serve.