GSF Career Spotlight: Terry Fulks

Terry Fulks, Director of Finance for Golden State Foods (GSF) in Opelika, Alabama, joined the company in December 2018 as an accounting manager. He brought decades of finance experience in the poultry industry, which enabled a smooth transition into GSF’s protein business and prepared him for broader leadership.

“The more I learned about the company, the more determined I became to join,” said Terry. “I was sold after reading the Creed and Values. There were other jobs, but none compared to what GSF offered with their culture.”

Early in his GSF tenure, Terry advanced into the Director of Finance role. Prior experience supported his readiness, while structured onboarding strengthened his knowledge of GSF practices. Guidance from former associate Bobby Burdette provided months of hands-on training and reinforced the company’s approach to finance and operations.

A strong culture and meaningful relationships continue to shape Terry’s journey. He values collaboration with both operational and corporate teams across GSF's locations. Internal leadership councils expanded his perspective, deepened his understanding of company history, and highlighted GSF’s community impact. Training opportunities and local involvement further support his professional growth.

Teamwork drives results in Terry’s daily work. Open communication, shared goals, and mutual respect help teams overcome challenges and move forward together. Terry encourages others to embrace the culture, listen closely, and learn from peers. He believes that feedback promotes continuous improvement and long-term success.

Terry shares, “There is a wealth of knowledge in GSF, and people want to share and see others succeed.”

Looking ahead, he remains focused on helping GSF reach gold-standard performance while continuing to contribute to the team and community he values most.