Executive Director —
Georgia 4-H Foundation
306 Hoke Smith Annex
Athens, GA 30622
Phone:(706) 542-8914
Fax: 706-542-4373
JOHNATHON.BARRETT@uga.edu

Johnathon is a native of Georgia, with his family roots here in this state dating back seven generations.  His professional career began in the area of business, and moved into the arena of nonprofit management in the late 1990’s.  He attributes his professional success and community involvement to having been an active and engaged 4-Her, starting in the fifth grade in his hometown of Perry.  He served as a district and state officer, attended National Conference, was a 4-H Senate intern, and worked as a counselor at Camp Burton.  

In his role, Johnathon is responsible for the daily management and operation of the Georgia 4-H Foundation which supports the Georgia 4-H programs and five 4-H Centers. 

Barrett is a Certified Public Accountant, a graduate of Georgia Southern University, and has had leadership positions in several nonprofit organizations.  Before joining the Foundation, he spent fourteen years with Junior Achievement of Georgia as vice-president of statewide operations where he played a significant role in corporate and individual investments as well as coordinating donor stewardship.  Johnathon’s partnerships stretch across community groups such as boards of education, economic development agencies, chambers of commerce, and businesses. 

Barrett also brings to Georgia 4-H an extensive background as community leader and volunteer.  He has served on the boards of directors of organizations such as The Georgia Historical Society, Savannah-Chatham Humane Society, Georgia Family Partnership Connection, The Rotary Club of Savannah, and The Savannah Book Festival.  He was a member of the Class of 2008 for Leadership Georgia, was named a “Top 40 under 40” businessperson for Savannah, and received the One Small Voice award for his work as an advocate for children.

Besides being a professional fundraiser, this life-long 4-Her is also an avid fisherman, cook, gardener, and writer.  He has two books to his name, his food memoir, Rise & Shine!, along with a culinary anthology entitled Cook & Tell, both published by Mercer University Press.