SGSF Executive Committee
The Southern Group of State Foresters operates with an Executive Committee. The committee consists of a Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary/Treasurer and an Immediate Past-Chair. Collectively, they act and decide matters on behalf of the non-profit organization.
The Committee meets with the SGSF staff quarterly and with the entire membership during the annual and winter meetings.
Jim Karels, SGSF - Chair
Florida State Forester
3125 Conner Blvd
Tallahassee, FL 32399-1650
Telephone: 850.922.0135
Email: Jim.Karels@freshfromflorida.com
Wade Dubea, SGSF - Vice Chair
Louisiana State Forester
P.O. Box 1628
Baton Rouge, LA 70821
Telephone: 225.925.4500
Email: Wdubea@ldaf.state.la.us
Wib Owen, SGSF - Executive Director
1109 Woodbrook Way
Garner, NC 27529
Telephone: 919.779.6091
Mobile: 919.218.7321
Email: wib.owen@southernforests.org
George Geissler, SGSF - Sec./Treasurer
Oklahoma State Forester
2800 North Lincoln Boulevard
Oklahoma City, OK 73072
Telephone: 405.522.6158
Email: george.geissler@ag.ok.gov
Linda Casey, SGSF - Past Chair
Alabama State Forester
513 Madison Avenue
P.O. Box 302550
Montgomery, AL 36104-2550
Telephone: 334.240.9304
Email: linda.casey@forestry.alabama.gov
The Chair of the Southern Group oversees and presides over all meetings. He or she coordinates activities and assignments and appoints committees and task forces, as necessary. The Chair serves as the Southern Area Representative to the National Association of State Foresters (NASF).
The Vice Chair assumes leadership in the absence of the Chair.
The Secretary/Treasurer serves as the financial officer and provides oversight to the NASF Business Manager in the management of the business and financial transactions for SGSF. The Secretary/Treasurer prepares and provides a summary of all business proceedings.
The Immediate Past Chair brings a historical perspective and provides continuity to the Executive Committee.
