SAVANNAH, GA. — Kenneth R. Prater has joined Byrd Cookie Co. as human resources manager. He will be responsible for planning, implementing and evaluating employee relations and H.R. policies, programs and practices.

Before joining Byrd Cookie, Mr. Prater was with Claxton Poultry Farms for nearly 25 years, most recently as employment manager. He earlier was human resource manager for the company.

Prior to Claxton Poultry, Mr. Prater spent seven years of personnel-focused training in the U.S. Air Force.

Founded in Savannah in 1924, Byrd is one of the largest and fastest-growing independent cookie and snack companies in the United States. The company bakes more than three tons of cookies daily in 16 bite-sized flavors. Byrd operates retail stores in Savannah, Ga., and Charleston, S.C.