State Forester

Johnny Sabo was appointed Director/State Forester of the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) in September 2024.

Johnny came to the GFC as Deputy Director in April 2023 bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience in professional forestry and wildland fire. In that role, he had direct oversight of the Forest Management, Forest Protection, and Law Enforcement departments, as well as five Regions spanning the entire state where field operations are conducted. Johnny also serves on the Georgia Forestry Foundation Board of Trustees, the Georgia Sentinel Landscape Executive Committee, and the Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Board of Trustees. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Forest Resource Management from Clemson University.

Johnny and his wife, Christina, have one son and live in Macon.