GEORGIA PECAN GROWERS - Key Persons


Amy Howell

Job Titles:
  • Grants Coordinator & Copy Editor for the Pecan Grower Magazine since 2014
A native of Tifton, Amy holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism degree and Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Georgia. Prior to joining the GPGA team, Amy worked at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College for 5 years and, prior to that, lived and worked in Atlanta for 8 years in both state government and the private sector. Outside of GPGA Amy and her husband, Courtney, have three children and are active in their schools, church and community.

Ashley Swanson


Big John

Job Titles:
  • Manufacturing

Chris Clough - President

Job Titles:
  • President

Fred Corona

Job Titles:
  • Fred Corona Director of Sales and Marketing

Jack Thompson

Job Titles:
  • Scholarship

Kyle Durrence - VP

Job Titles:
  • Vice President

Mike Jacobson

Job Titles:
  • Renfroe Pecan Co

Perry Fuller

Job Titles:
  • Triangle Chemical Co

Rick Lear

Job Titles:
  • Carter Brothers Pecan Co

Samantha McLeod

Job Titles:
  • Executive Director
  • Executive Director & Editor of the Pecan Grower Magazine since February 2017
Samantha joined the GPGA staff as Executive Director in February of 2017, following her passion of supporting farmers and being an advocate for agriculture. Prior to GPGA, Samantha worked for Case IH Agriculture for 5 years, first in a Commercial Rotational Development program, then as a Commercial Product Trainer, and finally as the Southeastern Crop Production Sales Specialist representing the manufacturer's line-up of planters, seeding, and tillage equipment across seven states. Outside of GPGA, Samantha is happily married to Robert McLeod III and lives just outside of Tifton, GA. Together they have two beautiful boys, Arlan (3) and Curtis (1) and enjoy running their small herd of Registered Black Angus cattle and helping out on the family's farm.

Scott Hudson

Job Titles:
  • Hudson Pecan Co

Sean Olivari


Sheila Harnage

Job Titles:
  • Finance since January 2013
Originally from Omega, Georgia, Sheila graduated from Tift County High School in 1985 and then went on to graduate from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, located in Tifton, Georgia in 1987. She went back to school to obtain a degree in Accounting from Moultrie Technical College in 2012. Prior to coming onboard with GPGA, Sheila homeschooled her 4 children from 1991 until 2013 from kindergarten through their graduation. Outside of GPGA Sheila is happily married to Scot Harnage. The two share four children and two step grandchildren. Sheila is actively involved in her church and loves to spend time with family.

Tim Martel

Job Titles:
  • TRC Partner

Weiss McNair

Job Titles:
  • Fred Corona Director of Sales and Marketing