Outstanding Alumni Spotlights: 2025 Cloverleaf Magazine

Steven Spandle

Steven Spandle grew up in Claxton, Georgia, as an Evans County 4-H’er. In this rural environment, 4-H provided Steven an opportunity to compete on a state level, to interact with people from all over the country, and to be exposed to top-notch trainings and experiences. Throughout his time in the program, Steven participated in a range of activities, including working as a camp counselor, interning at Camp Jekyll, and mastering in the Flowers, Shrubs, and Lawns project area, which he now financially supports.

As far back as he can remember, Steven has had a passion for buildings and a desire to become an architect. After earning an advanced degree in Classical Architecture from the University of Notre Dame, he gained experience working with notable East Coast architecture firms before founding Steven W. Spandle Architect in New Jersey. Steven remains an avid supporter of Georgia 4-H, and he credits the organization with shaping his public speaking and communication skills, which have served him throughout his personal and professional life.

 

Jenn Townsend

When it comes to 4-H passion, Jenn Townsend shares that her “blood runs green.” Growing up as a Clayton County 4-H’er, Jenn mastered in the Bicycle project and served as a camp counselor at Rock Eagle 4-H Center. Upon graduating from UGA with a degree in consumer journalism, Jenn worked in varying culinary roles, stemming from an early job at Chick-fil-A.

Jenn currently works as the Senior Manager for Equipment Innovation for Inspire Brands, the parent company of favorites like Sonic and Buffalo Wild Wings. In this role, Jenn strives to continuously adapt technology to make back-of-house tasks more streamlined and functional to meet the needs of the labor force.

Based on her strengths and interests, Jenn felt a natural inclination to support 4-H food projects. Her personal mission over the years has been to inform young people of available opportunities in her field. She recognizes the impact of 4-H programming and sees how desirable these developed skills can be in supporting the future of the restaurant industry.

Stacy Jones

As a third-generation Georgia 4-H’er, Stacy Jones is no stranger to the opportunities offered by the Georgia 4-H program. Within Rockdale County, Stacy found her spark through project work in public speaking. She created hew own public speaking club and developed valuable teaching skills. She went on to serve as Collegiate 4-H president while studying at UGA and assisted with planning and executing the 1991 Collegiate 4-H Conference. This opportunity expanded her event planning skills and her ability to create memorable experiences. Stacy credits 4-H for helping her become a confident adult who sees the world through the lens of service, and she recognizes her role and responsibility to help make the world better.

After years of service in 4-H and a varied career in higher education, Stacy was selected as Vice President for Public Service and Outreach at University of Georgia. In this role, Stacy provides leadership for eight campus units while connecting communities and their needs back to the University.

Georgia Simmons

University of Georgia student and Banks County 4-H alumnus Georgia Simmons spent the 2024 fall semester working in the office of U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock as the 4-H intern through UGA’s Washington Semester Program. As an intern on Sen. Warnock’s staff, she participated in the legislative process while earning a semester of credit hours.

Georgia was assigned to three different legislative teams: agriculture, energy and environment; transportation and infrastructure; and democracy, justice and science. “I worked hand in hand with the legislative staff on every team, and it taught me invaluable lessons on teamwork and cooperation,” she said.
Georgia got an early start serving her community as a 4-H member. She found her spark in 4-H Project Achievement, competing in the Wildlife and Marine Sciences area. She served for three summers as a camp counselor at Rock Eagle 4-H Center and Burton 4-H Center.

 

Jenna Saxon

Jenna Saxon is serving Georgia as the chief of staff for Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper, crediting her experience as an Oglethorpe County 4-H’er as a catalyst for her career as an advocate for agriculture. Her responsibilities include managing Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) operations and supporting farmers and consumers across the state. The GDA has more than 500 employees spanning 20 agency divisions. Jenna is uniquely qualified for the task, with a lifetime of experience in 4-H and FFA programs, including employment in the Georgia 4-H state office and the FFA-FCCLA camping program. “Through my involvement in 4-H and FFA, I knew for certain that I wanted to pursue a career in agriculture,” Jenna said. “I’ve always been passionate about the industry.”