GFB News Magazine

GFB, GFA welcome new employees

by Jennifer Whittaker
GFB Publications Editor

Posted on August 22, 2024 10:39 AM

Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) and the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture (GFA) recently added new hires to their respective staffs. On May 28 the GFB Public Policy Department welcomed Amelia Junod to its team as an advocacy and policy development specialist followed by Chase McClure as a government affairs specialist on June 20. Phoebe Beard joined the GFA as an educational programs assistant May 21.

Amelia Junod

Junod will manage GFB’s annual policy development process of establishing its positions on farm-related issues and work to promote the organization’s stances through outreach campaigns. She will also  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 joining GFB, she was employed with the S-3 Group in Washington, D.C., where she conducted data research and analysis to help clients support their legislative policies and address reputation challenges. In 2022 she interned in the office of former U.S. Rep. Jody Hice.

Junod may be reached at aljunod@gfb.org.

Chase McClure

As a government affairs specialist, McClure will work to communicate GFB’s policy positions on legislation and regulations to elected officials while facilitating GFB member interactions with lawmakers and policy influencers.

A native of Monroe County, McClure earned a bachelor’s degree in political science with a minor in history from Mississippi State University (MSU) in 2023. McClure was active in the MSU College Republicans and served on Mississippi Sen. Bart William’s (MS Dist. 15-R) 2020 campaign. McClure worked for Central Georgia Technical College and Timberhawg Investments, LLC before coming to GFB.

McClure may be reached at cnmcclure@gfb.org. 

Phoebe Beard

Beard will work with Virginia Fulwood to set the schedule for the Georgia Ag Experience Mobile Ag Classroom to visit schools, community and statewide events, and will serve as a mobile classroom instructor. 

Beard grew up on a Turner County farm where her grandparents grew cotton, watermelon and peanuts. She graduated from ABAC in May with a bachelor’s degree in agricultural communications.

During a summer in college, Beard worked for a Texas wildlife rescue educating the public about wildlife. From May 2023-May 2024, she interned at the Chehaw Park & Zoo in Albany teaching environmental education to guests.

Beard may be reached at pbeard@georgiaagexperience.org. Learn more about the GAE mobile classroom at www.georgiaagexperience.org .