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.

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, who left the GFA April 1.

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