FORSYTH, GA — The Georgia Forestry Association (GFA) today announced new 2026 leadership for its Board of Directors, recognizing both outgoing leaders for their service and welcoming new officers who will guide the Association in the year ahead.
GFA extends its sincere appreciation to Russ Yeomans, President of Yeomans Wood & Timber for his dedicated service as Chairman of the Board. During a period marked by significant market disruptions and challenges across Georgia’s forestry sector, Yeomans provided steady leadership and thoughtful guidance. His commitment to the Association and its members helped ensure strong advocacy, stability, and continued focus on the long-term health of the industry.
The Association also thanks Steve Fowler of Greenfield LLC for his service as he concludes his term on the Executive Committee. Fowler’s contributions and engagement have been valued by the Association, and GFA is grateful for the time and expertise he brought to advancing Georgia’s forestry community.
At the same time, GFA is pleased to announce Scott Griffin, President & CEO of Superior Pine as GFA’s 2026 Chairman. GFA looks forward to working closely with Griffin as he assumes this role and to continuing a shared focus on strengthening forest product markets, advancing sound public policy, and supporting the long-term sustainability and competitiveness of Georgia’s forestry sector.
“I’m honored to serve as Chairman of the Georgia Forestry Association and grateful for the strong leadership that has come before me,” said Scott Griffin, Chairman of the Board. “The Association plays a vital role in supporting landowners, strengthening markets, and advancing sound policy, and I look forward to working with our Board and members to ensure forestry remains a cornerstone of Georgia’s economy.”
In addition, the Georgia Forestry Association’s Nominating Committee recommended the following candidates to the Executive Committee. These candidates will be presented for approval at the February 10th Board of Directors meeting:
- Tiffanie Starr, Managing Director, Acquisitions at Timberland Investment Resources, LLC
- Chet Summers, Region Manager at Georgia-Pacific
- Daniel Lauderdale, Area Manager at Beasley Forest Products
Wes Godbee of Interfor will serve as Vice Chair in 2026 and Chairman in 2027. Ken Eason of Stuckey Timberland was renominated to continue serving as Treasurer.
“The leadership of our Board remains critical as we navigate ongoing challenges and opportunities facing Georgia’s forestry sector,” said Tim Lowrimore, GFA’s President & CEO. “Together, we will protect the industry’s foundation, strengthen its future, and ensure forestry remains a cornerstone of Georgia’s economy.”
The Georgia Forestry Association looks forward to working closely with its Board and leadership team in the year ahead and wishes its members, partners, and their families a healthy, successful, and Happy New Year.
2026 Executive Committee Members (as of January 2026)
- 2026 Chairman: Scott Griffin, President & CEO – Superior Pine
- 2026 Vice Chairman: Wes Godbee, Vice President – Southern Wood Procurement, Interfor
- Immediate Past Chairman: Russ Yeomans – President, Yeomans Wood & Timber
- Treasurer: Ken Eason – President, Stuckey Timberlands
- Chas Cannon – Owner, Chas H. Cannon Company & State Representative
- Harry Sanders – Co-Owner, Sanders Logging, Inc.
- Jed DeZelle – Senior Regional Manager, The Westervelt Company
- James Norris – Forest Resources Manager, Battle Lumber Company
- Emily Ham – Regional Government Relations Manager, International Paper
- Brian Stone – Director of Business Development & Client Services, Forest Resources Consultants, Inc.
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