Governor Sonny Perdue Announces Kenneth Stewart as Executive Director of the Georgia Forestry Commission

ATLANTA , GA - Governor Sonny Perdue announced today Kenneth C. Stewart, Jr. as the Director of the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC).  The GFC provides leadership, service, and education in protection, management, and wise use of Georgia's Forest Resources.  The Director is responsible for all programs of the state forestry agency including oversight of all personnel.  The GFC has 675 employees and an annual budget of approximately $40 million.  The commission board approved Stewart, upon recommendation from Governor Perdue.

"The Forestry Commission has the critical job of protecting and managing one of Georgia's most precious natural resources," said Governor Sonny Perdue.  "Ken Stewart came highly recommended from the Georgia forestry community and I am confident that, based on his demonstrated leadership roles in the private sector, he will work aggressively to sustain and preserve Georgia's natural resources."

Stewart, 54, was most recently a Vice President of Retail and Specialty Business for Unisource Worldwide, Inc.  He previously held various executive positions; including Senior Director of Strategic Planning-Building Products Distribution, Executive Assistant to Chairman and CEO, Director of Enterprise Development and Director of State and Local Taxes for Georgia-Pacific, Corp.  Stewart was a Research Forester for Mississippi Power and Light.  He is a Registered Forester and member of the State Bar of Georgia.  Stewart received his undergraduate degrees in Forestry and General Business from Mississippi State University and a Juris Doctorate from Woodrow Wilson College of Law.  He and his wife have one child.     

" Georgia's forests and forest resources play a vital role in the state's economy as well as significantly contribute to improved air and water quality for our state" said Stewart. "I am pleased to be joining the fine people and tradition of the Georgia Forestry Commission and commend the Governor for his proactive leadership on behalf of all of the forestland owners and citizens who rely on wise stewardship of this important resource."