Ag News
GACD elects 2026 leadership team, presents awards
Posted on Sep 02, 2026 at 14:29 PM
The Georgia Association of Conservation Districts (GACD) announced its 2026 Executive Committee elected at its annual meeting on Aug. 24.
President Brian Ponder of Tift County was re-elected, as were vice presidents Tabatha Wooten o Jeff Davis County, Ellis Lamme of Gwinnett County, Secretary Jim Waters of Pierce County, Treasurer Andrew Standard of Liberty County and NACD Representative Jimmy Bramblett of Stewart County.
Jake Ford of Berrien County continues as immediate past president.
GACD’s online training program was created to provide a complete and detailed training on conservation districts available 24/7. The program was created in accordance with the National Association of Conservation Districts guidelines, and GACD recently received a Gold rating for the program upon their review. District supervisors Bruce Case (Coosa River Conservation District), John Hogue, (Central Georgia Conservation District), Mark Corbett (Alapaha Conservation District) and Madison Renfroe (GACD outreach assistant) all completed the online training program.
Meanwhile, GACD presented its annual awards.
The organization inducted the late Phillip Standard into the GACD Hall of Fame, which preserves the history of the conservation movement in Georgia by recognizing individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to soil and water conservation.
Standard was a former district supervisor of the Upper Ocmulgee River Conservation District for 52 years. He represented Newton and Jasper Counties beginning in 1973. He served as chairman for many years before dying in 2025.
A lifelong resident of Covington, Standard spent 36 years as a dairy farmer, where he developed a deep appreciation for responsible stewardship of the land.
As district chairman, he led educational outreach efforts, encouraged youth involvement in conservation programs, and supported practices that improved soil health and water quality across the district. He worked closely with local, state, and federal partners to promote conservation tillage, secure funding for landowners, and expand conservation education throughout his community. His leadership, integrity, and willingness to mentor others made him a respected voice in conservation across Georgia.
The GACD also presented the Superior Professional Support, District of the Year, Supervisor of the Year, Urban Conservationist of the Year and Conservationist of the Year awards. Scholarship recipients and special recognitions were also honored.
Conservationist of the Year
The recipient of GACD’s 2025 Conservationist of the Year award is Eddy Turner of Washington County.
Eddy Turner was honored with the award for his outstanding commitment to agriculture, soil health, and natural resource conservation. As a Central Georgia Conservation District Supervisor and NACD Soil Health Champion, Turner has implemented innovative practices including no-till farming, cover crops, and sustainable soil management on his 580-acre farm. He extends his commitment beyond his own operation by hosting soil health workshops, supporting underserved farmers, and promoting agricultural education and conservation partnerships. Through his leadership, innovation, and willingness to share his knowledge, Turner inspires others to become better stewards of the land. He was nominated for this award by the Central Georgia Conservation District.
Urban Conservationist of the Year
The recipient of GACD’s 2026 Urban Conservationist of the Year award is Sister Terri Ali. Sister Ali is founder and manager of the Firdous Community Garden at Mohammed Schools of Atlanta, a private school for pre-K-12. She engages the community and student body in managing the regeneratively grown 30 beds, orchard, and high tunnels, providing hands-on agriculture experience. School administration, cafeteria cooks, and parents work in the garden, which is also incorporated into the entire school’s curriculum. The produce is harvested by both the school and the community at large, providing vital nutritious food in a food desert area.
Through her work at the Firdous Garden, Sister Ali has transformed limited urban land into a productive, regenerative agricultural system while educating scores of students in hands-on conservation principles like soil health, cover crops, composting and more. She was nominated by the Dekalb County Conservation District and NRCS.
District of the Year
GACD recognized the Clayton County Conservation District as the 2026 District of the Year. The Clayton County Conservation District has made great strides in recent years to strengthen partnerships with local schools, community gardens, producers, and conservation organizations. In a county facing continued development and urbanization, the supervisors have put heavy emphasis on teaching agriculture and natural resource stewardship to the next generation through initiating annual ag field days, farm tours, a poster contest, STEM nights, and more. Each supervisor has contributed to the district’s success. GACD gave special recognition to Supervisor Barbara Gibbs-Hodge who died earlier in August after a battle with cancer. Gibbs-Hodge made a great impact on the district. The district was nominated by GSWCC Region 4 and Northwest Regional Program Manager, Jena Leone.
Supervisor of the Year
George Kelecheck, district supervisor for the Rockdale County Conservation District, is the 2026 Supervisor of the Year. Since joining the Rockdale County Soil and Water Conservation District in 2020, Kelecheck has been a tireless advocate for protecting natural resources and inspiring others to become stewards of the environment. He has supported student conservation programs and school gardens while leading watershed protection and environmental education initiatives. As president of the Haynes Watershed Foundation, Kelecheck brought together partners, agencies, and communities to advance protection of the Big Haynes Creek Watershed. His leadership has strengthened local conservation efforts and created opportunities for future generations to become environmental stewards. Kelecheck was nominated by Rockdale County Conservation District.
Superior Professional Support
The GACD Superior Professional Support recipient was Dana Tripp. Dana Tripp serves as GACD’s Northeast Regional Program Manager and is passionate about supporting conservation districts and the communities they serve. She excels at building strong partnerships, bringing people together, and advancing shared conservation goals. Through her service on the Georgia Envirothon Board, Dana has also helped strengthen the program and expand opportunities for students. Most importantly, Dana genuinely cares about her district supervisors and consistently goes above and beyond to support them. Her kindness, dependability, and positive attitude make her a valued member of Georgia’s conservation community. She was nominated by GSWCC Region 2, Chestatee-Chattahoochee RC&D, Lincoln County Conservation District, and Oconee River Conservation District.
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