Sanderson Farms : 40 Under 40

Sanderson Farms' associate general counsel, Casey Butts, CPA, Esq., has been named to the Ole Miss Alumni Association's 40 Under 40 list. The alumni association unveiled its inaugural 40 Under 40 class in February to celebrate the personal, professional and philanthropic achievements of successful University of Mississippi graduates under the age of 40.

"It is an honor to be recognized among so many accomplished alumni from Ole Miss," said Butts. "Seeing all that they have achieved so early in their careers is a true inspiration. Thank you to the program organizers for considering me for this recognition."

Butts is in good company on the list as the 2022 group of recognized young alumni includes an NBC News producer, a U.S. Space Force commander and a director of the National Security Council. Recipients will be recognized with a ceremony as part of Young Alumni Weekend on the university's campus.

"We are thrilled to unveil this first year's class of 40 Under 40 and welcome them back to campus to honor their achievements," said Kirk Purdom, chief executive officer for the Ole Miss Alumni Association and a 1993 graduate of the university. "These outstanding individuals exemplify leadership in their industries and communities, and I'm happy we were able to launch this program of recognition."

As associate general counsel for Sanderson Farms, Butts provides legal advice, counsel, representation and support to departments within the company. Joining Sanderson Farms in 2014 as an advanced trainee III, Butts has since served in the roles of division manager, corporate processing manager and, most recently, as the company's staff attorney. He is a 2014 graduate of Sanderson Farms 2020: Vision for our Future mentoring program.

Prior to joining Sanderson Farms, Butts worked for six years as an associate attorney for Maynard, Cooper & Gale, P.C. in Birmingham, Alabama, as well as Forman, Watkins & Krutz, LLP in Jackson, Mississippi. While practicing law, he received the Martindale-Hubbell® Preeminent AV Rating, which is the highest peer review rating for ethical standards and legal ability. He is licensed to practice law in Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi, and is a licensed certified public accountant.

A 2004 cum laude graduate of the University of Mississippi, Butts earned a Bachelor of Accountancy degree and was one of 10 seniors inducted into the Ole Miss Hall of Fame. He is also a 2007 magna cum laude graduate of the University of Mississippi School of Law, earning a Juris Doctor degree, serving as a member of the Mississippi Law Journal and receiving multiple AmJur awards, which are awarded to the law student who earned the highest grade in a particular class.

Nominations for the 40 Under 40 program were open from October until December, and more than 500 nominations were received for this year's class. Honorees must be active members of the university's alumni association, have made a significant impact on their industry or field, have civic or professional achievements, aspire to uphold the core values of the UM Creed, have earned an undergraduate degree from the university, and demonstrate a commitment to maintaining a lifelong relationship with the university and its alumni association.

"The Class of 2022 truly represents the young alumni from Ole Miss with careers in television, government affairs, philanthropy and even the outdoors," said Sunny Brown, assistant director of alumni affairs for the Ole Miss Alumni Association and a 2009 and 2011 graduate of the University. "It will be so special to award these alumni and allow our current students to network with all that our group has to offer."