At this year’s Annual Conference & Forestry Expo, the Georgia Forestry Association proudly honored two exceptional individuals as 2025 Champions of Forestry for their outstanding leadership and service to Georgia’s forestry community.
The Champion of Forestry Award recognizes individuals who have gone above and beyond in supporting GFA’s mission through their time, influence, and unwavering commitment to the industry. This year’s honorees are:
- Harry Sanders – Owner, Sanders Logging Company
- Troy Clymer – Forest Management Chief, Georgia Forestry Commission
- Michele Lawson – Operations Manager, Georgia Forestry Association
A third-generation logger, Harry Sanders played a pivotal role in advancing legislation that modernized truck weight limits in Georgia—a key issue for the logging and transportation sectors. His compelling testimony before the General Assembly helped push the bill through to passage, culminating in the Governor’s signature following the 2025 legislative session.
Harry was previously named the 2022–23 Georgia Logger of the Year and is an active member of both GFA and the Southeastern Wood Producers Association (SWPA). A graduate of the University of Georgia’s Advancing Georgia’s Leaders in Agriculture and Forestry (AGL) program, he also gives back through leadership on the Warnell School Young Alumni Committee and service to the Cochran-Bleckley Chamber of Commerce.
With more than 25 years of public service, Troy Clymer has consistently stepped up for Georgia’s forestry sector in times of crisis. In the aftermath of Hurricanes Debby and Helene, Troy worked alongside GFA to lead a series of landowner outreach events, helping more than 1,200 landowners navigate recovery and resilience strategies in the state’s hardest-hit areas. His leadership and expertise have been instrumental in restoring confidence and providing critical resources to Georgia’s forest landowners.
Michele Lawson is the glue that holds the Georgia Forestry Association together. For the past 15 years, Michele, a Dooly County native, is instrumental in ensuring a positive member experience by the planning and execution of all GFA events. She has been a part of the Association for three transitions.
Please join us in congratulating Harry Sanders, Troy Clymer and Michele Lawson on this well-deserved recognition, and in thanking them for their steadfast dedication to the Georgia Forestry Association and the entire forestry community.