FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NOVEMBER 3, 2025
South Georgia native Mark Madray is bringing his life-long passion for forestry to a regional leadership position with the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC). Following a decade of service with the agency, Madray has been named Region 3 Manager for the GFC. In his new position, Madray will oversee forestry operations and landowner relations in a broad area of southwest Georgia.
“Mark is a champion for forestry with a wide range of experience,” said Georgia Commission Director Johnny Sabo. “His ability to lead and develop relationships will benefit the GFC, forest landowners, and industry partners throughout the region.”
Madray joined the GFC as a dispatcher in 2015, while attending Abraham Baldwin Agriculture College. After graduating with a degree in Forestry, he became a Georgia registered forester and began work as a private forestry consultant. Mark rejoined the GFC in 2018 as a Management Forester and was promoted to Lead Forester in Region 5 in 2024. He has served on numerous western wildfire assignments and is a skilled advocate for prescribed fire.
“I’ve worked across the entire state, but South Georgia is where I call home,” said Madray. “Down here, forestry isn’t merely an industry—it’s a culture and a way of life. I’m eager to carry on this rich tradition and make a meaningful difference in our local communities.”
Madray was born in Jesup, where he still has family. He and his wife, Katie, reside in Tifton. They have a one-year-old son and enjoy the outdoors.
Madray assumed his new position on November 1, 2025.