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February 7, 2025
Posted in
  • Membership

GFA Welcomes New Leadership in 2025

Russ Yeomans Named Chair of Georgia Forestry Association (GFA) Board of Directors

Russ Yeomans has been announced as the new Chair of its Board of Directors. As president of Yeomans Wood and Timber, Inc. and a longtime forestry advocate, Yeomoans will lead the Association in its mission to advance the interests of Georgia’s forest landowners and forestry stakeholders.

“I’ve never known life without forestry,” Yeomans said. “I am honored to serve as Chair of the Georgia Forestry Association’s Board and look forward to building on the accomplishments of past leaders to further strengthen Georgia’s forestry industry.”

Russ Yeoman, GFA Chair and President of Yeomans Wood and Timber, Inc.

 

Yeomans has also been a vocal advocate for forestry in his local community. As a past chair of the Swainsboro-Emanuel County Chamber of Commerce Board, he played a key role in initiatives like the Pine Tree Festival and Southeast Timber Expo, which celebrate and promote the importance of forestry in the region.

With decades of experience, Yeoman’s early involvement with GFA began in 1999 as a member of the Logging and Transportation Committee. Over the years, he has served in various capacities, including on the GFA Board, supporting the organization’s premier events, and participating in Hurricane Helene advocacy efforts as a timberland owner who was impacted by the storm.

“GFA and its staff are highly respected at the Capitol and within the advocacy community,” Yeomans noted. “I look forward to leveraging that expertise to foster alliances that promote innovation, business growth, and sustainable forestry practices in Georgia.”

Yeomans receiving the Champion of Forestry award at GFA’s Annual Conference in 2019.

 

As Chair of the Georgia Forestry Association, Yeomans will champion policies that drive growth and sustainability within Georgia’s forestry sector, amplifying the industry’s voice on key issues, and advancing initiatives that support forest landowners, strengthen rural communities, and benefit the state as a whole.

“We are honored to have Russ leading our Board during this critical time for Georgia’s forestry industry,” said GFA President & CEO Tim Lowrimore. “His deep experience, dedication, and leadership will be invaluable as we continue advocating on behalf of forest landowners, rural communities, and the long-term sustainability of our state’s working forests.”

 

New Leadership in 2025

GFA’s Executive Leadership is integral to the organization’s mission to keep our state the #1 Forestry State in the Nation. We are grateful for their time, expertise, and continued dedication to Georgia’s working forests.

Executive Committee Members who rolled off after serving two consecutive terms:

  • Aaron Hemmer, Lead Relationship Manager, CoBank
  • Preston Mobley, Chief Operations Manager, Mobley Greenhouses
  • Chris Marsh, Director, US Wood Procurement, RYAM
    • also served for three years as 2022 Vice Chairman, 2023 Chairman and 2024 Immediate Past Chairman

Newly Appointed Role 

Scott Griffin, President & CEO, Superior Pine Company, appointed as Vice Chairman

New Executive Committee Members 

James Norris, Wood Procurement Manager, Battle Lumber Company, Wadley, Georgia

Emily Ham,  Regional Government Affairs Manager, International Paper Company, Atlanta, Georgia

Brian Stone, Director of Business Development Forest Resource Consultants, Macon, Georgia

 

Learn more about GFA’s Executive Committee leadership here.

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