Ag News

GFB staff transitions, new hire announced

The Georgia Farm Bureau Public Relations/Information Department recently announced moves within its staff, and the GFB Public Policy Department has hired Amelia Junod as advocacy and policy development specialist.

Kenny Burgamy, who has co-anchored the Farm Monitor television show with Ray D’Alessio since 2014, is stepping away from that role but will continue as the show’s executive producer. Burgamy will also continue serving as director of the GFB Info/PR department, a position he had held since May 2019.

Jennifer Parson, who has worked with GFB since 2019 as a marketing specialist and has produced occasional features for the Farm Monitor, is stepping in as the show’s new co-anchor. Parson previously worked as a public information officer for the Warner Robins Police Department and as a weekend anchor and multimedia journalist for WMAZ-TV in Macon.

Meanwhile, Keaton Walker joined the GFB Info/PR Department staff as corporate engagement and membership manager in February, following the departure of Slayten Carter. Walker first joined GFB in October 2022 as the advocacy and policy development specialist in the organization’s Public Policy Department. Prior to joining GFB, Walker worked as chief marketing and public relations officer for Circle F Farms and its affiliated businesses in Baxley and as chief marketing and business development officer for Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter.                    

On May 28 the GFB Public Policy Department welcomed Amelia Junod to its team as an advocacy and policy development specialist. Junod will manage GFB’s annual process of establishing its positions on a variety of farm-related issues, as well as working to promote the organization’s stances through outreach campaigns. Her duties will include working with GFB staff and volunteer leaders to engage with elected officials at local, state and federal levels. She will also provide GFB members and external stakeholders information about the organization’s legislative programs and assist with the GFB Impact Fund political action committee.

 A native of Macon, Junod graduated from Mercer University in May 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in law and public policy. Prior to coming to GFB, she was employed with the S-3 Group in Washington, D.C., a government relations/public affairs firm, where she conducted data research and analysis to help clients support their legislative policies and address reputation challenges.

Junod served as a legislative intern during the summer of 2022 for former U.S. Rep. Jody Hice, who represented Georgia’s 10th District before opting not to seek re-election in 2023.

Throughout her four years as a Mercer student, Junod was a member of the Mercer University Admissions and Event Team for which she conducted campus tours for prospective students and their families, introducing them to campus facilities and programs; managed the @mercernow Instagram page for select events and helped with daily office operations. Junod is a member of the Psi Gamma Chapter of Chi Omega for which she served as new member educator for a one-year term.

Growing up, Junod was introduced to agriculture by her grandparents Terrel and Linda Green, who grew blueberries, corn, beans and potatoes for local markets on their farm in south Bibb County. As a registered forester, her grandfather, Terrel, also introduced her to the importance of forestry. She is the daughter of Michael and Leigh Ann Junod.  She attends Martha Bowman United Methodist Church in Macon. 

“I am excited to expand my understanding of Georgia farming and become a specialist in the area of agricultural policy,” Junod said. “Representing and advocating for Georgia agriculture is something I have been interested in for a long time, and I'm grateful to learn from some of the best here at Georgia Farm Bureau!”

 

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