Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) Professionals Awarded


GFC Staff Forester Greg Strenkowski has earned the National Bronze Smokey Award, which is the highest honor given for wildland fire prevention. The National Association of State Foresters, the USFS and The Advertising Council annually choose ten recipients of the honor, which recognizes people who provide outstanding service in helping prevent wildland fire in their state over a minimum two year period. Strenkowski’s achievements include managing a program that helped reduce the incidence of wildfire in a 32 county area by 13% and saved $1.3 million in suppression costs. He is also credited with promoting fire prevention through a number of effective grant programs and projects and exhibiting tireless energy and professionalism in the protection of Georgia’s forest land.


Seven GFC Professionals were recognized during the annual State of Georgia Public Employee Recognition Week competition:

The Randolph-Terrell Unit won for Team Customer Service.
Foresters Charles Bailey and Bo Chesser tied for Individual Customer Service.
Ranger John Crawford earned the Individual Customer Service Award.
The Butts-Henry Unit won the Team Community Service honor.
Ranger David Duke won Individual Leadership.
The Johnson County Unit won Team Leadership.
District Ranger Willie Boston won the award for Innovations and Suggestions.


GFC Staff Forester James Johnson was selected for the 2009 Directors Award. James and the Forest Health Team are consistently doing the Right Things Right to protect the health and sustainability of Georgia's forests. James leadership has provided dozens of new and enhanced partnerships with Federal, State, County, and private stakeholders. These partnerships have led to a new energy, new programs, unique cooperative efforts, and significantly enhanced funding sources to address the growing threats to our forests.


Congratulations to all GFC Professionals for providing winning service to our customers statewide and nationally!