FORSYTH – The Georgia Forestry Foundation, in partnership with Huber Engineered Woods, has recognized 36year agriculture education veteran Richard Gill of Brantley County High School as the 2025 Georgia Forestry Teacher of the Year.
This prestigious award honors a Georgia classroom educator who has demonstrated exceptional dedication in teaching students about the importance of Georgia’s forests to our environment, economy and our heritage.
“Huber understands the importance of industry partnerships in supporting education and we are pleased to sponsor the Georgia Forestry Teacher of the Year Award,” stated John Mullis, wood procurement manager, Huber Engineered Woods. “We congratulate Mr. Richard Gill for his commitment and tireless efforts to create a passion for forestry in the next generation.”
Providing $41.3 billion in annual economic impact and more than 143,000 paying jobs, Georgia is ranked as the number one forestry state in the nation. It leads all other states in commercially available timberland, annual harvest volume, forest product exports and tree planting.
“It’s a true honor for me to be recognized with this award,” said Gill. “Forestry is my passion, and I love nothing more than sharing it with others. My goal is for students to have a deep appreciation for and understanding of the important role the forestry and natural resources industries play in our daily lives.”
Gill was recognized for his achievement at the annual Georgia Forestry Association (GFA) 2025 Annual Conference and Forestry Expo, which was held July 25-27 at the Jekyll Island Convention Center.
Attendees, which included over 700 GFA members and stakeholders who work in all parts of the forestry supply chain, celebrated his contributions to forestry education and recognized his role in shaping the future of forestry in Georgia.
“His interactive teaching methods provide valuable and engaging opportunities for students to immerse themselves in forestry,” said Matt Hestad, senior vice president of the Georgia Forestry Association and Foundation. “He works hard to connect his students directly to Georgia's forestry industry - through partnerships with local landowners and forest-products companies, giving students hands-on skills and exposure to real careers.
“Many of Richard’s graduates go on to pursue forestry degrees and careers - a testament to the influence of great teaching on the future of our industry.”
The Forestry Teacher of the Year award highlights the critical work being done by educators across the state to foster a deeper understanding of forestry among students. The award recognizes accomplishments of educators who most effectively communicate the significance of and our connection to Georgia’s 22 million acres of working forests.
About the Georgia Forestry Foundation
The Georgia Forestry Foundation (GFF), established in 1990, is a 501 (c) (3) organization which acts as the educational arm of the Georgia Forestry Association.
Their mission is to sustain Georgia’s forests through funding and support of leadership development, policy studies, and education to enhance the economic, environmental, and community value of working forests for Georgia.
For more information, visit www.gfagrow.org.
About Huber Engineered Woods
Building products innovator Huber Engineered Woods LLC has a reputation built on consistent product performance and commitment to people.
Fueled by on-the-jobsite analysis and building science principles, AdvanTech subflooring, ZIP System™ building enclosures and EXACOR™ product solutions have changed the way construction teams build better buildings.
Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., the company has manufacturing facilities in Maine, Georgia, Virginia, Tennessee and Oklahoma and dedicated R&D facilities in Commerce, Ga. Huber Engineered Woods is a subsidiary of J.M. Huber Corporation.
Visit huberwood.com to learn more.
