Tyler Ashley is the Director of Affiliate Relations for Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Tyler is a former Floyd County 4-H’er, state officer, Rock Eagle summer camp counselor, and state 4-H office staff member. He lives in Atlanta with his wife Katie.

Dr. Babcock graduated from the UGA CAES in 1994 with a B.S. in equine science.   She then attended UGA CVM to obtain her DVM in 1998.  Dr. Babcock owns and operates  Red Barn Veterinary Hospital in Dahlonega,  Georgia. Dr. Babcock has owned and shown horses since the age of 12.  Her show ring experience includes the American Saddlebred circuit, dressage, hunters, and eventing.  In her free time, Dr. Babcock enjoys running marathons and riding her motorcycle.

Annie Baxter is a Vice President in the Advisory & Transaction Services Practice and a member of CBRE’s Location Incentives Group. The group advises clients globally with site selection and economic incentive negotiations and provides strategic advice regarding clients’ overall commercial real estate initiatives.

Judy Bland is a retired FACS County Extension Agent from Tift County. Working with 4-H members through the Tift County 4-H program was a major highlight of her 33-year career.

Angela Bliss, Ph.D., currently works as the Stormwater Specialist with Chatham County Department of Engineering. Angela has a BS and MS in Environmental Science and earned her Ph.D. from UGA focusing on science education and adult learning.  She has a long history with UGA working as an educator and program coordinator at Rock Eagle 4H Center, Burton 4H Center on Tybee Island, and the UGA Marine Education Center an Aquarium on Skidaway Island.

Dr. Jillian Bohlen is an Associate Professor in the Animal and Dairy Science Department at UGA and a State Dairy Extension Specialist.  She teaches courses at UGA to include Dairy Production and Management, Dairy Cattle Evaluation, Reproduction in Domestic Animals, and Issues in Animal Agriculture.  In addition, she serves as an advisor for the UGA Dairy Science Club and coaches the UGA Dairy Challenge Team.  Finally, Dr. Bohlen works with youth across the state in 4-H projects to include dairy judging, dairy quiz bowl, and the commercial dairy heifer project.

Katrina Bowers is the Sr. Director of Development at the Terry College of Business at UGA.  Prior to this career, she was an interior designer and still enjoys this as a passionate hobby.  She is a Master 4-H’er from Elbert County, a former County Extension Agent from Lanier County and the parent of a former state officer and Master 4-H’er, Drew Bowers of Oconee County.

Aimee is a Ph.D. student in Experimental Psychology at Idaho State University and is affiliated with the National Science Foundation as a graduate research assistant. Her areas of interest include spinal cord injury and circuitry, behavioral neuroscience, biomedical behavioral science, and animal behavior.

Over the past 20 years, Jeff Buckley has worked as a Spanish Teacher, the State 4-H Specialist for Global & Citizenship Programs, and an IT Project Manager with the University System of Georgia. His interests include global geopolitics, entomology, music, and spending time with his family.

Ashley is a Georgia 4-H alumna and now serves as the Assistant Director of 4-H Youth Development at Clemson University. She works closely with the State 4-H Leader and Extension Specialists, Agents, and Administration to provide statewide guidance and program development for 4-H, focusing on Natural Resources and Science Program areas. She also serves as the Volunteer Development Specialist for South Carolina 4-H.

William O. Chittick is emeritus professor, Department of International Affairs, School of Public and International Affairs, University of Georgia with a special interest in personal values and foreign policy; press, pressure groups and State Department; and global policy analysis. He is past president of International Studies Association/South and founder of Foreign Policy Analysis Section of American Political Science Association.

Richard Chewning has been the director of Georgia 4-H at Camp Jekyll since its reopening in January 2017. He has worked for Georgia 4-H since 2005 and has served in several roles including the Jekyll Island 4-H Center Environmental Education Coordinator from 2006-2014.  He also manages operations at the 4-H Tidelands Nature Center.

Katie Comer serves as the Facebook Community Development Regional Manager of the Southeast. In this role, she manages all community and government relations involving Facebook data center and office locations. Through Facebook’s platforms and products, she is able to give people the power to build community and bring the world closer together. Katie is a graduate of the University of Georgia and has a Master’s Degree in Public Administration and Nonprofit Management from Georgia State University.

Anita Dailey has 24  years’ experience as an instructor and Program Chair for Early Childhood Care and Education at Central Georgia Technical College.  She often teaches the Health, Safety, and Nutrition course which includes certification in the American Heart Association’s Heart Saver and First Aid.  She served as a District and State 4-H officer from Crisp County and loves 4-H.

Abby Davis serves as the Education Outreach Coordinator, with the Flint River Soil and Water Conservation District,. This postion allows her to educate and empower students with the knowledge and responsibility of conservation and stewardship of their natural world.  She gets to eperience this firsthand by serving as a judge for Georgia 4-H State Congress Environmental Sciences Project. “I see firsthand that these 4-H’ers, our future leaders, take this responsibility seriously and have the dedication and innovation needed for the future conservation of our natural resources.”

Lee Donahue is a Special Education Math teacher at Pepperell High School and also serves as the Head Tennis Coach. He is a Floyd County Master 4-Her and served as a Rock Eagle Camp Counselor for three years. He serves as a Floyd County 4-H Adult Volunteer alongside his wife, Mary.  They have two sons who are current Floyd County 4-Hers!

Mary Davis Donahue is the Georgia Career and Technical Instruction,(Georgia CTI) Executive Director.  She has the unique privilege to offer opportunities for students with disabilities from all across the State of Georgia to build self-advocacy skills, strong communication skills, and work readiness skills. Mary is a Mitchell County Master 4-Her and served as a Rock Eagle Camp Counselor for three years, She is an active Georgia 4-H Alumni serving on the Master 4-H Board of Directors and serves as a Floyd County Adult 4-H Volunteer alongside her husband, Lee. They have two sons who are both current Floyd County 4-Hers!

Dr. Claudia Dunkley is an Extension Poultry Scientist in the Poultry Science Department at the University of Georgia since 2007. She works closely with the poultry industry within the state, across the country and also internationally conducting workshops and symposia for extension agents, commercial poultry companies and poultry producers. She is actively involved in youth educational poultry programs such as 4H and FFA poultry judging training and competitions across the state and nationally.

Dr. Stephan Durham led the development of the new Civil Engineering degree program through its first full accreditation in the College of Engineering at the University of Georgia in 2015. Currently, he serves as the Assistant Dean for Student Success and Outreach of the College of Engineering and Professor in Civil Engineering. He obtained his BSCE, MSCE, and Ph.D. in civil engineering with an emphasis in structural engineering from the University of Arkansas. He is a licensed Professional Engineering in the state of Georgia.

Dr. William Finlay is Josiah Meigs Distinguished Teaching Professor of Sociology and Adjunct Professor of International Affairs at the University of Georgia. He is co-director of the UGA Study Abroad Program in Stellenbosch, South Africa. He has been a faculty member in the Department of Sociology since 1988 and served as the head of the department from 2002 to 2014. He received his undergraduate degree in Sociology from the University of Cape Town, South Africa, and an M.A. and PhD. in Sociology from Northwestern University.

Kathleen Freeman is the Program Coordinator for the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences at UGA. Located on the Griffin Campus, she serves as the primary student liaison for all things CAES.

Originally from the Midwest, Kelsey joined UGA Libraries for her dream job in 2018 as a Science Research & Instruction Librarian, working primarily with students, faculty, and staff in the College of Agriculture and Environmental Science. Kelsey loves working with students and youth helping them follow their passions. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband, yellow Labrador, Lucy and their newest family member, Rosie, a terrier mix.

David Fulcher comes from a 4-H/extension family. His mom, dad, sister, and himself are all Master 4-Hers. Fulcher has worked with the University of Georgia for 27 years. First with systems and networking support in central IT, then moving to the CAES-OIT group in the last 6 years.

Rusty started his career in Columbia County as a 4-H agent.  He then moved to Rock Eagle 4-H Center where he served as the Rock Eagle Environmental Education Coordinator and eventually became State Coordinator for Environmental Education.  Before transferring from Extension to the Department of Natural Resources, he ran the Wahsega 4-H Center.  Once in DNR he developed the Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center, including the Charlie Elliott Shooting Range Complex, and served as Project WILD Coordinator.  He now serves as Director of the Wildlife Resources Division.

Mallory Garvey is a 2009 graduate of the University of Georgia where she earned a B.S.F.C.S. with a major in Furnishings & Interiors. She currently reside in Tifton, Georgia with her husband and two children. While staying at home with her two children, she also practices interior design alongside her husband, a self-employed residential contractor, as well as owns and manages a rustic wedding venue in South Georgia.

Kristen Gibbons is a native of Jefferson County, GA currently residing in the metro Atlanta area. She is a pre-med student at Agnes Scott College.

Tammy Gilland, is the Executive Director of Philanthropy for Piedmont Athens Regional. She oversees the Foundation, Piedmont Athens Regional Auxiliary, and Pink Posy Gift Shop. She and her Foundation team members recently completed a $7 million campaign in honor of the hospital’s 100th anniversary. Tammy has also been very active in the Athens and Oconee county communities. While serving her community, Tammy has received several honors and awards.

A former 4-Her from Bleckley County, Dr. Lauren Ledbetter Griffeth is an Extension Leadership Specialist at the University of Georgia. Before her current role directing agriculture and forestry-based leadership programs, she served as a Grant Coordinator on the Georgia State 4-H Staff and was a major gifts officer for both the UGA Foundation and Athens Regional Medical Center. Lauren lives in Watkinsville with her husband, Tim, and their children, Tanner (8) and Lilli (4).

Dr. Hannings is a faculty member at the UGA College of Pharmacy. In her role, she works with pharmacy students during their introductory pharmacy practice experiences, coordinates the college’s immunization program, and serves as a coach for the Flip the Pharmacy program.

Lauren Healey is a faculty member with the J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership Development at UGA.  Prior to joining Fanning, she worked as a Georgia 4-H Youth Development agent in both Northeast and Northwest Districts.

Jim is a lifelong 4-H’er from Candler County who mastered in the General Recreation Project, is a Teen Leadership Winner and served as a member of the Southeast District Senior Board.  He is an Executive Director with JP Morgan where he serves a the Leader of a team of Lending Associates to wealth management clients.  As well, he serves on the Georgia 4-H Foundation Board of Trustees and chaired this past year’s record-breaking Georgia 4-H Gala.

Kris M. Irwin, Ph.D., is the Associate Dean for Outreach for the Warnell School of Forestry & Natural Resources at the University of Georgia with a focus on environmental education and curriculum development. He is co-founder of the Advanced Training for Environmental Education in Georgia (ATEEG) Program, which is the first state environmental education certification program in the nation to receive accreditation from the North American Association for Environmental Education. He is also the co-director of the UGA Environmental Education Certificate. In addition to his outreach responsibilities, he teaches undergraduate and graduate courses including Natural Resource Management for Teachers and Foundations of Environmental Education which is designated as a “service-learning” course. In 2004, Dr. Irwin published Science of Forestry Management, which serves as the primary technical reference for the National Agricultural Education (FFA) Forestry Competition.

Jackie Jackson is the Chatham County – Savannah Metropolitan Planning Commission’s (MPC) Director of Advance Planning and Special Projects. Jackie has been with the MPC for 14 years working on long-range planning and policies for Chatham County focused around stormwater, drinking water, climate change, and resiliency.

Music Educator from elementary school through college for over 50 years.

Tommy Jameson has been a church musician, voice teacher and music educator from the elementary school level through college for over 50 years.

Harold Jarrett is a master 4-H member from Jackson County.  He’s a GA Tech Electrical Engineering grad and is Chief Technology Officer at OmniMetrix LLC, which he founded in 1998.  For the last ten years, Harold has led the high school level FIRST Robotics program in Jackson County 4-H and Jefferson High School. He, like many others, attributes much of his life success to the basics learned in his 4-H years.

Dr. David Jespersen is an assistant professor at the University of Georgia in the department of Crop and Soil Sciences, based out of Griffin Georgia. Dr. Jespersen received his Ph.D. from Rutgers University in 2016 where his research focused on heat stress in turfgrasses. He continues to research environmental stresses in perennial grasses, focusing on how heat, drought, salinity, and other abiotic stresses affect turfgrass physiology and the mechanisms plants use to tolerate these stresses.

Duncan Johnson is an Augusta Georgia native.  In 2013, Duncan was appointed to the DNR board and has served proudly ever since.  Johnson Motor company a Cadillac, Buick and GMC dealer is the family business.

Ken Jones has been actively involved in 4-H in some way since he was a young child, even before the 5th grade.  Today, he serves on the Georgia 4-H Foundation Board of Directors as its Secretary/Treasurer.  He is an attorney in Atlanta, and along with his wife Chris, another 4-H volunteer, lives in the Peachtree Heights West neighborhood of Atlanta.

Dr. Kohl is an Assistant Professor of Wildlife Management and Wildlife Extension Specialist at the University of Georgia in the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources. His research primarily focuses on the application of GPS technology to address management and conservation questions that pertain to wildlife spatial distributions.  In many cases, this includes identifying best management practices that benefit wildlife while also maintaining the economic viability of agriculture and timber production.

Leo Lombardini received his Laurea degree (equivalent to B.S. M.S.) in Forestry from the Università degli Studi di Firenze, Italy, in 1993. In 1995, he started his Doctoral Degree in Horticulture at Michigan State University, which he completed in 1999. Dr. Lombardini’s research emphasis has focused on plant physiology, gas exchange, and plant’s responses to environmental stress. He has authored/coauthored 47 refereed publications, generated over $1 million in grants, and given over 100 presentations at professional and research meetings worldwide.

Paula Lucas is a 4-H Education with Penn State Extension.  Her areas of expertise are youth development and volunteerism.

Rebekah Maynard is a current master’s student at the University of Georgia studying ornamental plant breeding under Dr. John Ruter. Maynard’s research involves working with over 150 species of Salvia to breeding an improved cultivar. She is also working to complete an Interdisciplinary Certificate in University Teaching offered at UGA with hopes of teaching horticulture in the future.

As a faculty member in the UGA Animal and Dairy Science Department, Dr. Julia McCann instructs Equine Conformation and Evaluation classes, coaches the UGA Horse Judging Team, and assists with the GA 4-H Horse Program training and activities.  She has conducted research in equine nutrition, pasture forages, physiology, and behavior and is happy to serve the adult extension needs of agents and horse owners in the state of Georgia.

S. Justin Miller is the Director of Bands and Choruses at Lamar County Middle School. He enjoys practicing piano and accompanying musicians for small and large performances. His favorite quote is, “Don’t tell me the sky’s the limit when there are footprints on the moon.” -Unknown

MaryJo Moncheski has served as a 4-H Positive Youth Development Extension Educator for 7 years. She spent three years with University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, and will finish her fourth year with Purdue Cooperative Extension-LaPorte County in October. Ms. Moncheski received her B.S. Degree in Agricultural Sciences with an Equine Science emphasis from Morehead State University, and M.S. Degree in Agricultural Education from University of Missouri. She has spent 28 years in the equine industry, owning/training her own horses, providing lessons, competing in IHSA/ISSRA (Western and Saddle Seat), as well as, guiding and managing horseback rides with SK Horses, Ltd. in Rocky Mountain National Park in Estes Park, CO. Additionally, Ms. Moncheski is a Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA) Standard Discipline Instructor in Western and English. She resides in La Porte, IN, near Lake Michigan, with her two Australian Cattle Dogs, Gunner and Hank.

As an agronomist, Dr. J. Michael Moore develops and implements Extension educational programs. He works closely with county Extension agents, researchers, and commodity and agribusiness groups to provide sound, research-based recommendations to assist Georgia farmers in producing high-quality crops.

Asya Muhammad is an Executive Children’s Teacher for Cumberland County Schools & Event Planner residing in North Carolina. She is an alumni 4-Her from McIntosh County and participated as a Camp Counselor at Burton 4-H Center in 2007,  served as the Vice-President of the Southeast District Board of Directors in 2003-2004, and served as the Vice-President of the Georgia State Board of Directors in 2005-2006.

Farrah Newberry, who graduated in 1999 with a bachelor’s degree in agricultural communication, is the executive director for Georgia Milk Producers, an organization that educates dairy farmers and governing officials on issues affecting Georgia’s dairy industry. Newberry also currently serves as the President of the Board of Directors for the Agricultural Economics Association of Georgia and as a Director for the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Alumni Association.

Andrew Park serves as the public affairs superintendent at Dobbins Air Reserve Base, located in Marietta, Georgia. In this position, he is responsible for managing both internal and external communications for the base. Throughout his career as a photojournalist, Park had the opportunity to cover a variety of military exercises both stateside and abroad. When not taking photos and writing articles, Park is working feverishly as a new dad changing diapers and telling mediocre dad jokes to my beautiful five-month-old baby boy.

Michael Perry serves as the Director of Recreation and Parks in the city of Sandy Springs. Perry graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Parks and Recreation form Georgia Sourthern University, and his Master’s in Education from the University of Georgia in Recreation and Leisure Management. In addition, Perry was also a Master 4-Her and former 4-H Camp Counselor.

Barbara Porter is a 4-time Master 4-Her, National winner in Food Preservation and Safety in 1974, and Rock Eagle counselor. She graduated from UGA (quadruple Dawg)with degrees in Music Education and School Leadership. Porter retired from being an elementary school music teacher after 36 years of teaching in 2019. Currently serves as the part-time Music Director and Worship Leader at Antioch Christian Church in Watkinsville, GA

Dr. Tonya Price is an Associate Professor and 4-H Extension Specialist with Virginia Tech and specializes in teen leadership and development, healthy living, and character education. Throughout her career, she has shared her knowledge and passion for her specialty areas on the local, regional, state, national, and international stage. Realizing the impact 4-H had on her own life as a child, she is committed to making a positive difference in the lives of youth.

Deena Roberts is an Area Engineer with the USDA – Natural Resources Conservation Service.  She has worked with private landowners and farmers addressing natural resource concerns on their property for the past 28 years.  She received her B.S. and M.S. in Agricultural Engineering from the University of Georgia.

Martin Smeltzer graduated from UGA College of Veterinary Medicine in 1976.  He was in technical services for a Poultry Primary Breeder for several years servicing company and client breeding flocks.  Smeltzer was employed as a diagnostician with the poultry diagnostic system for 12 years and recently retired as an epidemiologist with USDA Veterinary Services after 20 years working with states and poultry companies dealing with import and export issues as well as disease eradication programs.

Winnie Smith is the Program Coordinator at the Willson Center for Humanities and Arts. She received her BFA in Jewelry and Metalsmithing, as well as her MAED in Museum Education, from UGA. She teaches an OLLI@UGA class on illustrating picture books and an after school art program for K-2 students. She has been an employee at UGA since 2007. Her interests include crafts, art history, children’s picture books, and band show posters.

Abigail Starcher is a second year Master’s student from Orlando, FL. After completing her undergraduate degree at the University of Florida, she moved to GA to earn her advanced degree in Nutrition while completing the Dietetic Internship at UGA. When she is not studying, Abigail enjoys running, paddle boarding, painting, and traveling. In her future career as a dietitian, she hopes to utilize her undergraduate minor in Organic and Sustainable Crop Production to empower communities through gardening and nutrition education.

Dr. Steinhaus is the Department of Music Chair at Brenau University, Gainesville, Georgia, where she teaches Applied Voice, Vocal Pedagogy, and Introduction to Arts in Health Care. This summer she discovered new ways to share high-quality music instruction for interactive online learning and looks forward to a great fall at the Brenau. Nationally, she serves on the Board of Directors of the National Organization for Arts in Health (NOAH).

Leslie Stowe has spent the last 26 years working with young children as a kindergarten teacher, after school/summer camp coordinator, preschool center director, curriculum coordinator, and state approved trainer. She has a BS in Communications with a concentration in Training and Development and M.Ed. in Adult Education.

Anna Strickland serves as the Executive Director for the Madison County Chamber of Commerce. The Madison County Chamber of Commerce understands that a skilled workforce is the foundation of a thriving economy. Between being home to a top-ranked K-12 school system and being situated in close proximity to colleges and universities, Madison County proudly serves as a talent pipeline for local and regional business & industry.

Melanie Thomas began her Extension career in 2007.  She is currently the County Extension Director and Family and Consumer Science Agent with UF/IFAS Extension Flagler County specializing in Housing, Health and Wellness, and Food Preservation.  Prior to her work in Flagler County, she served as an FCS Agent in Duval County for six years and was a Multi-County FCS Agent in Baker, Bradford, and Union Counties for over five years.  Melanie has worked extensively with programs related to indoor air quality, housing maintenance, and security, as well as food preservation and safety.  She is actively involved in several professional associations including the Florida and National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, where she was awarded the prestigious Distinguished Service Award in 2018. She is currently serving as President of the Florida Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences.

Naomi Thompson is Education Manager for Stone Mountain Memorial Association, the State Authority responsible for Stone Mountain Park. She teaches about the park’s resources to visiting students, teachers, and the public visitors. She taught marine education for 9 years at Burton 4-H Center on Tybee Island, holds a B.S. Degree in Geology from the College of William and Mary, and completed Georgia’s Environmental Education Certification.

Greg Tyler is the Chief Operating Officer for the USA Poultry & Egg Export Council, an industry-sponsored trade organization dedicated to increasing exports of U.S. poultry and egg products in all foreign markets through marketing, trade policy, and technical programs. Tyler supervises the Council’s 14 global offices and marketing programs implemented in more than 75 countries. Tyler received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in agricultural economics with concentrations in marketing from the University of Georgia. He is an avid tennis player and plays in several tennis leagues in the Atlanta area.

Leigh Varnadoe is life-long Georgia 4-Her and is incredibly grateful for the opportunities both past and present that 4-H has provided. 4-H opened her eyes to a larger world beyond the small town she is from. She has become passionate about travel and learning ever since.

Brian Watson has provided information technology support to the UGA College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences since 1994 and has served as the college’s IT Executive Director since 2015. In his current role, Brian leads the college’s Office of Information Technology which provides technical guidance to the college and supports nearly 3000 employees across more than 200 locations throughout the state. Brian actively represents the college and its interests through his involvement in institutional, regional and national committees and professional organizations.

Thomas Eugene White is a graduate of the New York School of Interior Design and the retired owner of an international design and merchandising firm.  His projects have been featured in such publications as Architectural Digest, Southern Living, The New York Times, and Southern Accents as well as on television including Homes Across America.  Tom has also served on numerous professional and charitable boards of directors; he divides his time between Winterville and Savannah.

Randy Wofford is a Senior Client Partner for Korn Ferry, the leading global organizational consulting firm. He is a frequent speaker on team building, coaching, and leadership. Randy is  a Master 4-Her, a former 4-H camp counselor, and previously a National Collegiate 4-H officer. He coached and managed multiple travel and recreational youth sports teams and is an avid fan of many collegiate and professional teams. Randy is an active sports participant and has completed several long-distance races.

Chelsea York serves as the Conservation Education Coordinator for the Georgia Forestry Commission, as well as one of Georgia Project Learning Tree’s Co-Coordinators. Chelsea has been working in the conservation and environmental education field in Georgia for over 4 years. She first began her journey in environmental education as part of Georgia 4-H’s seasonal environmental education staff and since then has worked with a variety of different schools, agencies, and organizations across the state to provide environmental education programming for students and professional development opportunities for educators, both formal and non-formal.