Ag News
Lowrimore leading Georgia Forestry Association, Sabo new state forester
Posted on Aug 31, 2024 at 0:41 AM
Georgia’s two leading forestry organizations have new leaders at the helm. Tim Lowrimore has stepped down as director of the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) to serve as president and chief executive officer of the Georgia Forestry Association (GFA) and the Georgia Forestry Foundation effective Oct. 1, the GFA announced August 9.
Gov. Brian Kemp appointed Johnny Sabo to replace Lowrimore at the GFC effective Sept. 1.
"I know Johnny will continue the good work of the GFC, ensuring the success of our forestry industry," Gov. Kemp said in a released statement. "As the No. 1 forestry state in the nation, Georgia and its forests depend on GFC for a multitude of services. Under Johnny's leadership, I am confident that mission will be fulfilled successfully."
Johnny Sabo becomes the Georgia Forestry Commission Director & State Forester effective Sept. 1. Photo courtesy of GFC
Sabo came to the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC), a state government agency, as deputy director in April 2023. Prior to coming to GFC, Johnny served nearly 20 years with the Florida Forest Service. At GFC, Johnny has direct oversight of the Forest Management, Forest Protection, and Law Enforcement departments, as well as five regions spanning the entire state where field operations are conducted. Johnny also serves on the Georgia Forestry Foundation Board of Trustees and the Georgia Sentinel Landscape Executive Committee. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Forest Resource Management from Clemson University. Johnny and his wife, Christina, have one son and live in Macon.
Tim Lowrimore, incoming president & chief executive officer of the Georgia Forestry Association and its foundation. /Photo courtesy GFA.
Lowrimore, who Gov. Brian Kemp appointed as director/state forester of the GFC in December 2020, is a registered forester with more than 20 years of forestry experience whose career spans the entire forestry supply chain.
GFA, a private member-based organization, says Lowrimore’s experience gives him a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing landowners, loggers and forest product manufacturers in Georgia.
“We are pleased to have identified the next leader of the Georgia Forestry Association and Foundation,” said GFA’s 2024 Chairman Zach Johnson, and vice president of supply chain at Beasley Forest Products. “We are confident that Tim has the experience, skill and drive to continue growing GFA and ensuring that we remain the #1 forestry state in the nation.”
As director of the Georgia Forestry Commission, Lowrimore led the commission through a strategic leadership change 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.
“I worked at GFA early in my career, and I have always had such tremendous respect for this association and the commitment it has to excellence. In many ways this feels like I’m coming back home.” said Lowrimore, who served as director of GFA Forest Policy from 2003 to 2008. “Following a great leader like Andres Villegas is an honor. The opportunity to continue supporting the work of the association in this new role is a dream of a lifetime.”
Lowrimore’s background as a leader of a state agency and the private sector in government affairs provides him with a unique blend of relationships and insights that GFA says will strengthen its advocacy efforts. Under his leadership, GFA will continue to champion the interests of Georgia’s forestry sector by protecting private property rights, encouraging sensible taxes and regulation and championing healthy markets for forestry in Georgia.
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