This past summer, at GFA’s Annual Conference & Forestry Expo in Savannah, we were pleased to honor several members for their exceptional service and dedication in keeping Georgia as the leading forestry state in the nation.
Since 1980, GFA has awarded individuals who have dedicated their careers to the growth and wellbeing of forestry in Georgia. As it represents true commitment to the advancement of the entire forestry community, the Wise Owl Award is GFA’s highest honor.
Jody Strickland
This year, Jody Strickland, Chief Business Officer, with F&W Forestry Services, was presented with the Wise Owl Award.
“I think her biggest mark on our industry is the example she sets to all the young women that are coming in,” stated Marshall Thomas President of F&W Forestry Services. “She mentors the young women at F&W and throughout the industry. She’s a leader everywhere she goes.”
In addition to her work with F&W, Jody serves as the Vice President of Business Affairs for the University of Georgia
Advancing Georgia’s Leaders in Agriculture and Forestry, and helped to set up the International Sustainable Forestry Coalition, an organization that brings together a group of the world’s leading forestry companies to work collectively to help solve some of the globe’s greatest environmental challenges. Strickland also serves as Vice Chair for the Forest Resources Association Executive Committee and is a dedicated member of GFA’s Forest PAC, the Association’s political action committee.
“I’ve been involved in a lot of the youth organizations because I like mentoring others and giving back,” stated Strickland. “I’ve had a lot of good mentors through my career with Proctor and Gamble and then Weyerhaeuser and now F&W. I learned early on that you really, when you’re working with people, you need to understand where they’re coming from. I love it because I get to work with a number of different landowners, understanding their objectives and helping them achieve their goals. And that really is what I enjoy doing.”
Marshall Thomas, President of F&W Forestry Services, and Jody Strickland, 2023 Wise Owl Award Recipient.
Jody Strickland, Chief Business Officer with F&W Forestry Services and 2023 Wise Owl Recipient, accompanied by her family.
Andres Villegas
As a surprise, GFA’s President & CEO at the time, Andres Villegas, was additionally recognized as a 2023 Wise Owl Award recipient. Andres served as President and CEO of the Georgia Forestry Association and Foundation for over 9 years. His passion and vision for the organization was founded on his mission to bolster Georgia’s forestry industry and communities. Villegas is currently serving as Rayonier’s Vice President of Public Affairs & Communications in Fernandina Beach, Florida.
Representative Chad Nimmer awarding Andres Villegas as a 2023 Wise Owl Recipient.
Andres Villegas, previous GFA President & CEO and a 2023 Wise Owl Award Recipient, accompanied by his family.
To learn more about the Association and Foundation, check out our sites gfagrow.org or gffgrow.org. We look forward to another year of working with outstanding forestry community members who are on the same mission to keep Georgia as the #1 forestry state in the nation.