FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FEBRUARY 4, 2025

A 26-year veteran of the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) has accepted a new leadership position with the agency. Rusty Meadows, of Grovetown in Columbia County, will serve in the role of GFC Region 2 Manager, beginning February 1, 2025.

“Rusty has a remarkable way of bringing out the very best in everyone around him,” said Georgia Forestry Commission Director Johnny Sabo. “His people skills and wide-ranging experience bring real strength to our mission and we’re thrilled he’s taking on this role to serve his fellow Georgians.”

GFC Region 2 encompasses 39 counties from the north Georgia state line south to Hancock County, and west from DeKalb to Elbert County on the Atlantic Coast. Meadows will lead and supervise Region personnel in accomplishing agency objectives and manage fiscal responsibilities, personnel, and equipment needs. He will coordinate fire suppression activities and serve on the agency Executive Leadership Team, among other responsibilities.

Meadows is a second generation GFC employee. His father, Chief Ranger Wayne Meadows, was part of the agency for 33 years.

Rusty Meadows joined GFC in 1998 as a Ranger in the Columbia and then Twiggs/Wilkinson Units. His promotion to Chief Ranger of the Laurens County Unit preceded his being named Area Fire Management Officer in 2020. He most recently served as Fire Management Officer in GFC’s Region 4.

“I’m excited to be able to contribute more to our agency goals in this new role,” said Meadows. “I believe in relational leadership and look forward to shouldering responsibilities alongside this team to further GFC’s mission.” Meadows said he looks forward to working with landowners and community groups to foster strong connections.

Meadows comes by his leadership qualities naturally, as he follows in his father’s footsteps. His dad’s example of “mutual respect” has encouraged him in his career, and influences his free time as well.

“My wife, Krista, is a teacher, and together we’ve coached youth basketball, track & field, and softball, for over 26 years,” he said. “Our two sons are also coaches, continuing our family’s deep-rooted passion for athletics and mentorship. Just as we strive to guide and support young athletes, I want to bring that same mentoring mindset to my GFC family as well.”

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