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.

Jaci Cohen serves as Membership Director for the Georgia Forestry Association, where she leads statewide membership growth, engagement and grassroots outreach. Prior to joining GFA, she served as a Policy Advisor in the Office of Governor Brian P. Kemp, overseeing agriculture, natural resources, energy, local government and regulated industries policy while working closely with state agencies, elected officials and industry leaders. A Hall County native, Jaci earned an associate degree from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College and a bachelor's degree in Agricultural Economics with a minor in Food and Fiber Marketing from the University of Georgia. She lives in Augusta with her husband, Bradley, and their dog, Stetson.

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

Zach joined the Georgia Forestry Association (GFA) in 2021 as a summer intern and has since built strong relationships across the U.S. South through the organization’s communications partnership with Keeping Forests. In 2024, he transitioned into a role focused on member engagement and program development, helping lead key initiatives such as Emerging Leaders, Regional Forestry Meetings, and Forestry Day at the Capitol. His work centers on building meaningful connections across GFA’s membership while contributing to the organization’s broader communications strategy and helping shape how GFA engages with members, partners, and policymakers. Zach lives in Statesboro with his wife, Gracie, and their dogs, Harley and Gus.

Ansley Whitley serves as a Landowner Outreach Coordinator, where she works with landowners across the state to connect them with resources, programs, and educational opportunities. Growing up in Buena Vista, her love for hunting and fishing led her to attend the University of Georgia, where she earned a B.S. in Wildlife Sciences and a M.F.R. in Forest Business. Her experience with Weyerhaeuser and the Georgia Forestry Commission prepared her to work alongside state partners and forest industry professionals to educate landowners and connect them with the tools needed to actively manage their land.

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.