Staff

Lowrimore is a registered forester whose career spans the entire forestry supply chain. His extensive experience gives him a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing landowners, loggers, and forest product manufacturers in Georgia. He most recently served as Director and State Forester for the Georgia Forestry Commission, after being appointed by Governor Brian Kemp in January 2021. In that capacity, Lowrimore led the commission through a strategic leadership change in order to improve the performance and efficiency of the Agency in service to Georgia’s forest landowners. In addition, he advocated in support of the modernization of equipment and increased funding for personnel to support forest ranger recruitment and retention.

Matt Hestad is the Senior Vice President of the Georgia Forestry Association and Foundation, where he manages strategic and administrative functions of the Foundation and provides leadership and oversight on communications and marketing for both organizations. Since joining GFA full-time in 2019, Matt has worked to build a thoughtful communications strategy that connects industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders. Previously, he worked with public relations firm HL Strategy for six years, supporting strategic communications for clients in forestry, manufacturing and sustainability. A graduate of Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College and the University of Georgia's College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences, Matt currently resides in Covington with his wife Bianca and their son Boomer.

Jake Matthews serves as Vice President of Government Affairs for the Georgia Forestry Association, where he leads advocacy efforts to protect forestry investments and promote healthy markets. A Barnesville native with deep roots in natural resources, Jake previously managed state government affairs for the Georgia Farm Bureau and served as a UGA Ag Fellow in Washington, D.C. He holds an Agribusiness degree from UGA and lives in Macon with his wife Annalee.

Dillon Hendrix is a native of Ocilla, Georgia, where his family has a long history of managing their land and resources. He joined the Association after serving as an Infantry Officer in the United States Marine Corps with 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, and 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines in Camp Pendleton, California. Prior to military service, he served his alma mater, the University of Georgia, where he was a member of the Football Operations staff under Head Coach Kirby Smart. Dillon also manages a family-owned farming operation, Gen4 Agriculture, in Irwin and Tift Counties, where they grow edamame, cattle, and hay. He is a Double Dawg graduate of the University of Georgia, where he received his BA in History, and MS in Sport Management and Policy. In his spare time, he enjoys golfing, hunting, working out, and any activity where he can spend time with his family.

Glo Camacho serves as the Director of Programs & Engagement for the Georgia Forestry Foundation, where she leads strategic initiatives to build community connections and advance forestry education. With a passion for storytelling and sustainability, Glo coordinates major events, manages donor stewardship efforts, and oversees GFF’s digital content and community engagement strategies. After discovering Georgia’s forests and falling in love with the timber industry, Glo became a tree farmer herself, investing in the land and industry she cherishes.

Mike joined the GFA staff in 2019 as Digital Media Specialist. In his capacity, Mike is responsible for management of the Association and Foundation brand and the development of creative and engaging marketing materials, including graphics, video, photography and more. Mike’s key areas of responsibility include:

• Videography and Photography
• Brand Management
• Graphic Design

Michele has been with GFA since 2010. A native of Dooly County, her roots are in the forest and agriculture industry. She attended Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in Tifton. She has three children, Ansley, Nate and Morgan and a son-in-law, Jay. An empty nester, Michele enjoys the time when Nate and Ansley are home and she travels frequently to Savannah to visit Morgan and Jay.  Michele is instrumental in ensuring a positive member experience by the planning and execution of all GFA events. She thrives to meet the needs of the staff. Michele’s responsibilities include:

• Accounts Payable
• Accounts Receivable
• Event Planning and Execution
• Building Operations

Amanda Rollins serves as Advisor for Partnerships and Growth for the Georgia Forestry Foundation, where she supports strategic initiatives to expand the Foundation’s impact through education, donor engagement and partnership development. With a passion for advancing forestry education, Amanda leads efforts to enhance programs with the Georgia FFA, Chattahoochee Nature Center, Georgia Public Broadcasting, Trees Atlanta and Boys & Girls Clubs and to build greater industry connections. She also fosters relationships with key partners and stakeholders to support joint initiatives that promote sustainable forestry and community outreach across Georgia.

John Casey serves as Advisor for Public Affairs & Content for the Georgia Forestry Association, where he supports strategic media relations, policy messaging, and content development. With a focus on promoting sustainable forestry and natural resource management, John crafts compelling advocacy content and builds strong media connections to amplify GFA’s mission. As primary editor of the Georgia Forestry Magazine, he ensures insightful coverage of key forestry issues while enhancing GFA’s credibility as an expert resource on working forests.