Ag News

Schmidt leading Georgia Foundation for Agriculture

The Georgia Foundation for Agriculture has named Andrew Schmidt as its new executive director. He started July 20.

Andrew Schmidt /Photo courtesy of A. Schmidt

Schmidt has more than 20 years experience in nonprofit leadership, fundraising, marketing and communications.

“We were fortunate to have several qualified candidates apply for the position, said GFB President Tom McCall, chairman of the GFA Board of Directors. “Andrew stood out from the field with his experience, leadership and passion for the foundation’s mission.”

Schmidt worked the last two years as senior director of development at WABE in Atlanta. Prior to that, he was an assistant vice president at the University of North Florida, where he focused on alumni engagement and communications strategy. Before that he was the vice president and senior director for Boys & Girls Clubs of Nassau County in Florida, senior director of development and marketing for Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida and director of communications at Georgia State University.

“I’m honored to join the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture team. Education has always been at the heart of my career, and that’s exactly what drew me to GFA: the chance to advance programs like SEED, GROW, and HARVEST that put agricultural education directly into the hands of Georgia’s students and communities while also supporting and strengthening our farmers,” Schmidt said. “Agriculture has been part of my story too. I started college as a forestry major and interned with Georgia-Pacific before my path shifted toward nonprofit leadership. I have close friends in Alapaha, who farm tobacco, peanuts, and other crops, so I’ve seen firsthand how much this industry means to the people who work it. I’m excited to help GFA grow that story.”

Schmidt is a certified fundraising executive. He earned master’s degrees in business administration and professional writing and a bachelor’s degree in political science, all from Kennesaw State University. He is a member of the Midtown Atlanta Rotary Club and regularly fosters dogs through the Atlanta Humane Society’s shelter-to-service program, which trains shelter dogs for service work.

Schmidt succeeds Lily Rolader Baucom, who left the GFA April 1.

The Georgia Foundation for Agriculture is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization dedicated to preparing the next generation of Georgia agricultural leaders for success. The GFA works with Georgia Farm Bureau and other Georgia agricultural and educational organizations to achieve its mission. The foundation offers scholarships to students pursuing agricultural careers, funds leadership development programs, and projects that increase the public’s understanding of agriculture, such as the Georgia Ag Experience mobile classroom.

Learn more about the mobile classroom and how to schedule a visit to your school or community event at https://www.gafoundationag.org/georgia-ag-experience .  To make a tax-deductible donation or learn more about the foundation, visit www.gafoundationag.org or contact Andrew Schmidt at agschmidt@gafoundationag.org or 478-405-3461.         

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