Contributed
Harrells, NC – Sampson County native and former Chief of Staff to the United States Secretary of Agriculture, Ray Starling, will deliver the commencement address for the Class of 2023 at Harrells Christian Academy on Thursday, May 25, 2023. Raised on a Century Family Farm in Autryville, Starling credits his childhood agricultural environment for shaping his career path more than any other influence or opportunity. Mr. Starling obtained a BS in Agricultural Education from NC State University, served as a National FFA Officer, and received his Juris Doctorate, with honors, from the University of North Carolina School of Law. Starling is currently serving as General Counsel of the NC Chamber and is president of the NC Chamber Legal Institute. His 2022 book, Farmers versus Foodies, is an Amazon favorite and has been nominated for a Pulitzer Prize.