Verl O. Purdy

Verl O. Purdy, a native of Poca, received a BS in chemical engineering from West Virginia University in 1964 and an MBA from the University of North Carolina in 1973.

Since leaving WVU, Purdy held numerous positions of responsibility with four major companies. He joined B.F. Goodrich Chemicals as a shift supervisor in 1964. From 1967-1969, he was employed by FMC as an Area Production Manager.

Purdy joined the BASF group in 1969, and played a major role in developing the company from a start-up operation in the United States to a multi-billion-dollar entity. From his original position as a production manager of the Charlotte, North Carolina, facility, he served BASF in a number of senior management roles. When he left BASF in 1980, Purdy was a vice president of the intermediate chemicals group, a corporate officer and member of the executive committee.

He left BASF in 1980 to become the chief executive officer of Rio Tinto Zinc Chemicals in the United States and Canada. Purdy guided the development and growth of the company from a start-up to a leader in the chemical treatment industry. He served on numerous boards of directors in Europe, Canada and the United States.

In 1984, the company was sold and Purdy started AGDATA Incorporated. Today, AGDATA is the largest agricultural data analysis and marketing company in the world, with operations and offices in Latin America, Europe, Canada, the Far East and the United States. AGDATA is a leading provider of internet and business-to-business solutions to the largest agrochemical and animal health companies of the world.

Purdy is a member of numerous social, business and community associations. He is a past registered Professional Engineer in both West Virginia and North Carolina. He has three children: J. Scott, Susan and Steven.