The Georgia Forestry Foundation is proud to announce that Robert Farris, former Director of the Georgia Forestry Commission, will serve as Forest Ecosystem Services Program Manager.

In this newly-created role, Farris will be focused on exploring opportunities for public and private sector investment in the ecosystem services provided by working forests. This effort is focused on improving the long-term vitality of privately-owned forests, which provide significant services to local communities who depend on forested watersheds for their drinking water.

“We understand the importance of privately-owned working forests to our state’s biggest challenges, including a clean, healthy supply of drinking water,” GFF President and CEO Andres Villegas said. “We are excited that Farris will be bringing his knowledge of forestry and 30 years of experience to this critical project.”

The Foundation’s programs for fundraising and education will continue to be managed through a relationship with HL Strategy, who has provided a variety of communications, public relations and project management support to the Association for more than eight years. Through this relationship, Jo Hodges will serve as Development Director and Amanda Rollins will serve as Education & Outreach Coordinator.