Delta Council names Chairman Thompson as speaker for 91st annual meeting

By Editor | May 6, 2026 |

U.S. Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson, chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture, stands in a Pennsylvania cornfield with Delta Council President Clint Dunn of Itta Bena. Thompson will serve as keynote speaker for the Delta Council’s 91st annual meeting May 8 in Stoneville.

Delta Council President Clint Dunn of Itta Bena announced that U.S. Rep. Glenn William “GT” Thompson Jr., chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture, will serve as keynote speaker for the organization’s 91st Annual Meeting on Friday, May 8.

The event will be held at a new location, “The Lawn” at the Delta Research and Extension Center-Mississippi State University in Stoneville. The meeting has traditionally been held at Delta State University but was moved this year due to the university’s commencement ceremony.

“We are honored to welcome Chairman GT Thompson to the Mississippi Delta for our 91st Annual Meeting,” Dunn said. “His leadership on agricultural policy and commitment to rural America make him uniquely qualified to address the challenges and opportunities facing our region.”

Thompson, a Republican from Pennsylvania’s 15th Congressional District, has served in Congress since 2009. Prior to his election, he worked for 28 years as a therapist, rehabilitation services manager and licensed nursing home administrator.

A lifelong resident of Howard, Pennsylvania, Thompson is an Eagle Scout and recipient of the National Distinguished Eagle Scout Award. He has also served as a school board member and workforce board member and co-chaired the Congressional Career and Technical Education Caucus.

In Congress, Thompson is known for his advocacy on behalf of rural communities, education and agriculture. He holds degrees from Pennsylvania State University and Temple University and lives in Howard with his wife, Penny. They have three adult sons and two grandsons.

The 2026 Delta Council Day will begin with the 25th Annual Salute to Delta Honor Graduates at 9 a.m. at the same location. The business session will begin at 10:30 a.m. with the presentation of “God and Country.” The program will include recognition of the 2026 Delta Council Steward of the Delta Community Service Award, the Wear Cotton contest, a review of the year’s challenges and opportunities, and the introduction of 2026-27 Delta Council officers.