GACD HONORS DISTRICT SUPERVISORS FOR SERVICE

August 25, 2026 - Brasstown Valley Resort, Young Harris, GA – GACD has been lucky to have a number of individuals willing to make long-term commitments as District Supervisors on the boards of their local Conservation Districts. We appreciate the tireless efforts made by District Supervisors in conserving, protecting, and improving the natural resources in their local areas. GACD recognizes District Supervisors each year for dedication to their local Conservation District and natural resources conservation in the state of Georgia. Supervisors who reach 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 service year milestones receive a pin of service. Today during the Luncheon, we honored several of these individuals who were present at the Annual Meeting.

10 Year

Group 1 

• Daniel Small, Clayton County

• Rob Jones, Limestone Valley 

Group 2

• Eric Holton, Broad River

• Joseph Rhodes, Piedmont

• Steve Smith, Warren County

Group 3

• Judson Hornsby, Flint River

Group 4

• Tim Hughes, Alapaha

• Danny Norman, Coastal

• David Spaid, Ogeechee River
  
  

Pictured (L-R): Rob Jones and Daniel Small

20 Year

Group 1

• Buddy Burns, West Georgia

Group 2

• George Lyons, Upper Chattahoochee River

• David Sills, Upper Chattahoochee River

Group 3

• Pete Miller, Flint River

• Steve Bailey, Flint River

• Bill Bowen, Lower Chattahoochee River

• Alex Sumner, Middle South Georgia

• Keith White, Middle South Georgia

Group 4

• Carlos Vickers, Alapaha

• Wayne Dykes, Central Georgia

• Lynn Johnson, Ohoopee River

Pictured (L-R): Lynn Johnson and Steve Bailey

30 Year

Group 1

• Dell MacGregor, Dekalb County

• Doug Cawthon, Towaliga

• Tommy Presley, Towaliga

Group 2

• Tracy Grizzle, Upper Chattahoochee River

• Dan Bennett, Walton County

Thank you and Congratulations to all District Supervisors for your service!

GACD NAMES ANNUAL AWARD RECIPIENTS

August 24, 2026 - Brasstown Valley Resort, Young Harris, GA – The Georgia Association of Conservation Districts (GACD) held their annual Hall of Fame Banquet on Monday, August 24, 2026 during their Annual Meeting to honor and award those individuals who have gone above and beyond to further conservation efforts for our state. The awards are Superior Professional Support, District of the Year, Supervisor of the Year, Urban Conservationist of the Year and Conservationist of the Year. Scholarship recipients and special recognitions were also honored.

Every year, GACD recognizes farmers and landowners that are conducting exemplary conservation work on their land and have demonstrated a strong commitment to soil and water conservation through their land stewardship, outreach and community interactions, and/or education. The recipient of GACD’s 2025 Conservationist of the Year award is Eddy Turner. 

Eddy Turner of Tennille, Georgia, was named Conservationist of the Year for his outstanding commitment to agriculture, soil health, and natural resource conservation. As a Central Georgia Conservation District Supervisor and NACD Soil Health Champion, Turner has implemented innovative practices including no-till farming, cover crops, and sustainable soil management on his 580-acre farm. He extends his commitment beyond his own operation by hosting soil health workshops, supporting underserved farmers, and promoting agricultural education and conservation partnerships. Through his leadership, innovation, and willingness to share his knowledge, Turner inspires others to become better stewards of the land. He was nominated for this award by the Central Georgia Conservation District. Congratulations to Eddy Turner!

In 2023, GACD started a  new award  to recognize urban conservationists for their exemplary work and strong commitment to soil and water conservation through their land stewardship, outreach, community interactions, and education in urban areas of Georgia. The recipient of GACD’s 2026 Urban Conservationist of the Year award is Sister Terri Ali. Sister Ali is founder and manager of the Firdous Community Garden at Mohammed Schools of Atlanta, a private school for pre-K-12. She engages the community and student body in managing the regeneratively grown 30 beds, orchard, and high tunnels, providing hands-on agriculture experience. Even school administration, cafeteria cooks, and parents work in the garden. The garden is also incorporated into the entire school’s curriculum. The produce is harvested by both the school and the community at large, providing vital nutritious food in a food desert area. Through her work at the Firdous Garden, Sister Ali has transformed limited urban land into a productive, regenerative agricultural system while educating scores of students in hands-on conservation principles like soil health, cover crops, composting and more. She was nominated by the Dekalb County Conservation District and NRCS. Congratulations to GACD’s 2026 Urban Conservationist of the Year, Sister Terri Ali!

The District of the Year award was established by GACD and the Tennessee Valley Authority in 2001 to recognize the Conservation District in Georgia which best plans, implements, and reports a conservation program in a given year. GACD is excited to recognize the Clayton County Conservation District as the 2026 District of the Year. The Clayton County Conservation District has made great strides in recent years to strengthen partnerships with local schools, community gardens, producers, and conservation organizations. In a county facing continued development and urbanization, the supervisors have put heavy emphasis on teaching agriculture and natural resource stewardship to the next generation through initiating annual Ag Field Days, Farm Tours, the Poster Contest, STEM nights, and more. Each supervisor has contributed to the district’s success, and we would like to give special recognition to Supervisor Barbara Gibbs-Hodge who sadly passed away last week after a battle with cancer. She has made a great impact on the district. The District was nominated by GSWCC Region 4 and Northwest Regional Program Manager, Jena Leone. Congratulations to GACD’s 2026 District of the Year, Clayton County!

In appreciation of District Supervisors’ commitment to the protection of Georgia’s natural resources, GACD presents a Supervisor of the Year award annually at Annual Meeting. The award recognizes exemplary achievements, leadership, and service to GACD, NACD, and local communities. This year, George Kelecheck, District Supervisor for the Rockdale County Conservation District, is the 2026 Supervisor of the Year. Since joining the Rockdale County Soil and Water Conservation District in 2020, George Kelecheck has been a tireless advocate for protecting natural resources and inspiring others to become stewards of the environment. He has supported student conservation programs and school gardens while leading watershed protection and environmental education initiatives. As President of the Haynes Watershed Foundation, George has brought together partners, agencies, and communities to advance protection of the Big Haynes Creek Watershed. His leadership has strengthened local conservation efforts and created opportunities for future generations to become environmental stewards. George was nominated by Rockdale County Conservation District. Thank You and congratulations to George Kelecheck for his dedicated service!

Each year, GACD presents an award to an individual recognized as providing superior support to Soil and Water Conservation Districts in Georgia. This year the GACD Superior Professional Support recipient is Dana Tripp with the Georgia Association of Conservation Districts. Dana Tripp serves as GACD’s Northeast Regional Program Manager and is passionate about supporting Conservation Districts and the communities they serve. She excels at building strong partnerships, bringing people together, and advancing shared conservation goals. Through her service on the Georgia Envirothon Board, Dana has also helped strengthen the program and expand opportunities for students. Most importantly, Dana genuinely cares about her District Supervisors and consistently goes above and beyond to support them.  Her kindness, dependability, and positive attitude make her a valued member of Georgia’s conservation community. She was nominated by GSWCC Region 2, Chestatee-Chattahoochee RC&D, Lincoln County Conservation District, and Oconee River Conservation District. Thank you and congratulations to Dana Tripp for her dedicated service!

PHILLIP STANDARD INDUCTED INTO GACD HALL OF FAME

August 24, 2026 - Brasstown Valley Resort, Young Harris, GA – The Georgia Association of Conservation Districts held their annual Hall of Fame Banquet on Monday, August 24, 2026 during their Annual Meeting to honor and award those individuals who have gone above and beyond to further conservation efforts for our state. The highlight of the evening is naming the Hall of Fame Inductee. 

The GACD Hall of Fame preserves the history of the conservation movement in Georgia by recognizing individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to soil and water conservation. 

The late Phillip Standard is a former District Supervisor of the Upper Ocmulgee River Conservation District of 52 years where he represented Newton and Jasper Counties beginning in 1973. He served as Chairman for many years and passed away in 2025. 

Phillip Standard dedicated more than 50 years of service to conservation in Georgia and left a lasting impact on the Upper Ocmulgee River Soil and Water Conservation District. A lifelong resident of Covington, Georgia, Phil spent 36 years as a dairy farmer, where he developed a deep appreciation for responsible stewardship of the land. 

As a longtime chairman, Phil led educational outreach efforts, encouraged youth involvement in conservation programs, and supported practices that improved soil health and water quality across the district. He worked closely with local, state, and federal partners to promote conservation tillage, secure funding for landowners, and expand conservation education throughout his community. His leadership, integrity, and willingness to mentor others made him a respected voice in conservation across Georgia.

In 2023, Phil was recognized for 50 years of dedicated service to Georgia's conservation district

program. Whether serving his community, his church, or the agricultural industry he loved, Phil's

commitment to conservation and helping others never wavered. His legacy continues to inspire

future generations of conservation leaders across our state. He was nominated by the Upper Ocmulgee River Conservation District.

Congratulations to Phillip Standard, the 2026 Hall of Fame Inductee.

The family of Phillip Standard with GACD President, Brian Ponder.

GACD ELECTS 2026 LEADERSHIP

August 24, 2026 - Brasstown Valley Resort, Young Harris, GA – The Georgia Association of Conservation Districts is proud to announce our 2026 Executive Committee elected at our Annual Meeting on Monday, August 24, 2026 during our GACD Business Meeting.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2026 GACD LEADERSHIP TEAM!

President (re-elected): Brian Ponder, Middle South Georgia Conservation District, Tift County

Vice President (re-elected): Tabatha Wooten, Altamaha Conservation District, Jeff Davis County

Vice President (re-elected): Ellis Lamme, Gwinnett County Conservation District

Secretary (re-elected): Jim Waters, Satilla River Conservation District, Pierce County

Treasurer (re-elected): Andrew Standard, Coastal Conservation District, Liberty County

NACD Representative(re-elected): Jimmy Bramblett, Lower Chattahoochee River Conservation District, Stewart County

Immediate Past President: Jake Ford, Alapaha Conservation District, Berrien County

GACD’s online training program was created to provide a complete and detailed training on Conservation Districts available 24/7. We created it per the National Association of Conservation Districts guidelines and recently received a Gold rating for the program upon their review.

The following District Supervisors & Staff completed our online training program: 

Bruce Case, Coosa River Conservation District

John Hogue, Central Georgia Conservation District

Mark Corbett, Alapaha Conservation District

Madison Renfroe, GACD Outreach Assistant

Pictured (L-R): John Hogue, Mark Corbett, and Madison Renfroe

Tom Mims of Richmond County Inducted into Southeast Conservation Hall of Fame

August 10, 2026, Cherokee, NC— Tom Mims of Richmond County was inducted into the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) Southeast Region Hall of Fame at their Luncheon held in Cherokee, NC on August 10.

The Southeast Region Conservation Hall of Fame annually recognizes and honors individuals from the Southeast Region of the United States who have had a significant impact or influence on natural resources conservation practice or partnerships at the local, state, territory, regional or national levels.

Tom Mims has dedicated his life to advancing conservation across the Southeast through visionary leadership and hands-on stewardship. As a driving force within Georgia’s Brier Creek Conservation District, he secured critical funding, expanded conservation education, and championed innovative water quality initiatives with far-reaching regional impact. He also pioneered a groundbreaking feral swine control program that now serves the entire state of Georgia, safeguarding natural resources and saving landowners millions of dollars. Tom’s enduring legacy reflects an unwavering commitment to conservation, collaboration, and the responsible stewardship of land and water throughout the Southeast.

The mission of GACD is to advocate for the conservation of Georgia’s natural resources by providing organization, leadership and a unified strategic direction to the Conservation Districts of the state. For more information on GACD or to explore opportunities on how you can support our efforts, please visit us online at www.gacd.us or on Facebook @GACDConserve.

GACD Group 4 Elects Vice Presidents

April 30th, 2026, Allenhurst, GA: At their Group Meeting on April 30th, 2026, members of the Georgia Association of Conservation Districts (GACD) elected Michael Raulerson of Pierce County as GACD Group 4 Vice-President, and Eddy Turner of Washington County as GACD Group 4 Alternate Vice-President. They will each serve two year terms and represent the Southeast area of the state on the GACD Board.

Pictured from left to right: Group 4 VP Michael Raulerson and Group 4 Alternate VP Eddy Turner

Michael Raulerson was appointed to the Satilla River Soil and Water Conservation District in 2022. Michael was born and raised in Bacon County on a cattle and row crop farm where he showed registered Polled Herefords at the local, state, and national level. He received an AS from Valdosta State College and was hired in 1991 as an Air Traffic Controller with the FAA. Michael retired in 2015 from the FAA and returned to Blackshear and purchased his grandfather’s farm. His family currently raises boar goats, commercial cattle, and farms 180 acres of hay.  Conservation practices are currently being utilized on his farm and he also assists others in the community with their projects.
Eddy Turner was appointed to the Central Georgia Soil and Water Conservation District board in 2023. Eddy is a lifelong resident of Washington county. Married to Ruthi Turner with grown children Trey, Mac and Shelley and four grandchildren. He is a member of First Baptist Church of Sandersville serving as Deacon and adult Sunday School teacher. He currently owns and operates a commercial hay business on a family farm supplying premium quality hay for horse and grass fed beef markets. Eddy was nominated as GACD’s Conservationist of the Year in 2025.
The mission of GACD is to advocate for the conservation of Georgia’s natural resources by providing organization, leadership, and a unified strategic direction to the Conservation Districts of the state. For more information on GACD or to explore opportunities on how you can support our efforts, visit the organization online at www.gacd.us or on Facebook @GACDConserve.

Kaylee Purvis of Banks County Named GACD Scholarship Recipient

February 25, 2026:  The Georgia Association of Conservation Districts (GACD) is pleased to announce their 2026 Scholarship recipient is Kaylee Purvis of Commerce, GA. Kaylee is currently a freshman at Emmanuel College. She plans to become an Agriculture teacher and help students discover their passion for agriculture, as well as make a positive impact on their lives.

To encourage study and careers in soil and water conservation related fields, GACD administers one $1,000 scholarship each year.  The scholarship is given to students majoring in, or intending to major in, a soil and water conservation related area.  Acceptable areas of study include, but are not limited to, agricultural education, agronomy, horticulture, plant pathology, and agricultural communications. 

Mark Masters Sworn In as NACD President-Elect

Yesterday, the NACD Board of Directors elected Mark Masters, of southwest Georgia, to serve as the association’s President-Elect. He will serve a one-year term as President-Elect alongside current NACD President Gary Blair and will assume the role of NACD President in 2027.

“I am honored and grateful for the opportunity to serve NACD and the thousands of conservation leaders across the county in this new role,” said President-Elect Masters. “It is a joy to work alongside such a dedicated team of staff and volunteers to address the evolving nature and magnitude of resource concerns through the local delivery of conservation policy and practices.”

Masters has served NACD in a number of roles since 2021, including as a Chair of the Water and Climate Subcommittee, as an officer in the role of Secretary-Treasurer, and most recently as NACD's First Vice President. He also served as a President of the Georgia Association of Conservation Districts and is a supervisor at his local conservation district, the Lower Chattahoochee River Soil and Water Conservation District.

Masters will be sworn in as President in February 2027 at NACD’s 81st Annual Meeting in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Georgia Residents Place in National Photo Contest

San Antonio, TX – The annual National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) Photo Contest promotes conservation education to students in kindergarten through 12th grade.  The contest coincides with Stewardship Week, a part of NACD’s Stewardship Program that teaches students what it means to be wise stewards of our natural resources. 
The award recipients were announced during NACD's Annual Meeting in San Antonio, TX on February 17.

The second-place winner of NACD’s Photo Contest in the Agriculture and Conservation Across America Adult Division is Shawn Butler. His winning photo is titled “World Cotton Day”. His photo was submitted to GACD by the Coastal Conservation District.

The second-place winner of NACD’s Photo Contest in the Conservation Practices Youth Division is Cole Williams. His winning photo is titled "Controlled Chaos”. His photo was submitted to GACD by the Upper Chattahoochee River Conservation District.

Andy Payne of Webster County Selected for National Conservation Leadership Program

December 22, 2025:  Andy Payne of Weston, GA has recently been chosen for the Next Generation Leadership Institute (NGLI) cohort. The program will last one year.

The goals of NGLI are to equip Conservation District leaders with personal, civic and organizational development so they can ensure future needs of resource management are met, and advocate for Conservation Districts and the challenges they face on the national level. 

Andy serves as the Group 3 Vice President Alternate of the Georgia Association of Conservation Districts and is a District Supervisor for the Lower Chattahoochee River Conservation District representing Webster County.

The mission of GACD is to advocate for the conservation of Georgia’s natural resources by providing organization, leadership and a unified strategic direction to the Conservation Districts of the state. For more information on GACD or to explore opportunities on how you can support our efforts, please visit us online at www.gacd.us or on Facebook @GACDConserve.