State Representative Chuck Williams (R-Watkinsville) has been named by Governor Nathan Deal as the new Director of the Georgia Forestry Commission. This means that the greater Athens area with have two new Representatives in the Georgia House for the upcoming session, as Rep Regina Quick of Athens was just named to the Superior Court Bench. Presumably the special elections can be called at the same time.
The Governor’s press release is below. Hat Tip to Tim Bryant on Twitter for flagging this news.
August 28, 2017
Gov. Nathan Deal today announced Chuck Williams as director of the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC). Williams’ nomination was approved by the commission earlier this month and takes effect Sept. 1. The vacancy was created when former GFC Director Robert Farris retired in May.
“Chuck Williams is a dedicated public servant and an effective leader who has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to forest management and sustainable forestry,” said Deal. “As a forest landowner, Chuck has a keen understanding of the forestry community in our state and country. His years of service on the GFC Board of Directors, coupled with his extensive background in economics, make him uniquely qualified to lead GFC as it provides leadership, service and education in the protection and conservation of Georgia’s forest resources. Georgia’s 24.1 million acres of commercial timberlands, more than any other state in the nation, offer a number of benefits to our citizens, from clean air and water to wildlife habitats, products and jobs. I am confident that under Chuck’s guidance, GFC will continue to provide critical support of Georgia’s timberlands and help to solidify our status as a top state for forestry.”
Chuck Williams
Williams has represented the 119th District in the Georgia House of Representatives since August 2011. He has held leadership roles on various committees, including Agriculture and Consumer Affairs and Natural Resources and Environment. Williams was named as Georgia’s Tree Farmer of the Year in 2005 in recognition of his passion for forestry and stewardship of the land. He has served in leadership positions for many forestry and agricultural organizations, including the Georgia Forestry Commission, the Georgia Forestry Association, the University of Georgia’s College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and the Georgia Agribusiness Council. Williams also has experience in banking and financial services. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics from the University of Georgia. Williams and his wife, Beth, live in Oconee County.