About Me
Benjie Forrest was born on August 13, 1955, to Benjamin D. Forrest, Jr. and Ernestine Hardee Forrest. A lifelong resident of the Black Jack community, he attended Chicod School and graduated from D.H. Conley High School before earning both his B.S. and M.Ed. in Agricultural Education from North Carolina State University. He later received his Education Administration and Supervision Certificate as well as his Vocational Director Certification from East Carolina University. He is married to the former Pamela Jane Beaver.
Forrest’s professional career began as an Agriculture Teacher and FFA Advisor at Washington High School, where he served from 1977 to 1995. He later worked as the Eastern Region Agricultural Education Coordinator until his retirement. In addition, he has managed and co-owned B.D. Forrest Family Farms, LLC, and is the owner of Benjie Forrest Farms, LLC.
Throughout his career, he received numerous awards and recognitions, including Outstanding Senior in Agricultural Education at NCSU, the Young Teacher Award from the North Carolina Vocational Agriculture Teachers Association (NCVATA), the Pride of the Wolfpack Award from NCSU, and the State of North Carolina’s prestigious Order of the Long Leaf Pine. He also earned leadership and service awards from NCVATA, the National Vocational Agriculture Teachers Association, and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at NCSU. Professionally, he has been an active member of organizations such as the Association of Career-Technical Educators, the North Carolina Agriculture Teachers Association, the National Association of Supervisors and Agricultural Education, and the National Association of Agricultural Educators.
In addition to his professional achievements, Forrest has dedicated much of his life to civic and community service. A faithful member of Black Jack OFWB Church, he has served as a Sunday School Teacher, Deacon, Chairman of the General Board, and Sunday School Superintendent. He has also been a member and leader of the Grimesland Masonic Lodge #475, Pitt County FFA Alumni, the Black Jack Volunteer Fire Department, and several community clubs including the Ruritan organizations.
His public service extends throughout Pitt County and beyond. He has served as Past Chairman of the Pitt County Planning Board, a member of the Pitt County Board of Adjustment, and trustee for the University of Mount Olive. He is also Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Northeast Regional School of Biotechnology and Agriscience (NERSBA), a member of the Board of Directors of the Southeast Drainage Office, and Chairman of District 9 Chicod Drainage District. Additionally, he serves as GOP precinct chair for the Chicod Precinct and is a member and past chairman of the Pitt County Board of Education.
Benjie Forrest’s lifelong dedication to education, agriculture, and community service reflects his deep commitment to both his profession and his community.