This is the highest recognition presented by ESP to a non-Extension (lay) person, business or organization and is designed to recognize truly outstanding support and personal involvement in Extension efforts. One state winner is named annually and advanced to the national level for judging.
Past State Winners (National winners are named the following year and are denoted by an asterisk)
| 2021 | Bill Brim* |
| Bill Brim is owner and operator of Lewis Taylor Farms which has been a family business for over 80 years. Mr. Brim is a graduate of the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and was inducted into the CAES Ag Alumni Hall of Fame in 2019. He was named Sunbelt Farmer of the Year in 2009 and is a tremendous supporter of UGA’s Cooperative Extension Service locally, statewide and on a national scale. He is known for innovative solutions to agricultural production challenges while maintaining a high professional level of management practices. | |
| 2020 | Gary W. Black* |
| Mr. Gary Black, Commissioner, Georgia Department of Agriculture, is recognized for his long-term commitment to leading the agricultural industry in our state. In his third term as a Constitutional Officer, he continues to prioritize state and federal policies impacting food safety, science-based environmental stewardship, and agricultural marketing. His entire career has been one of devotion to agriculture, leadership development, and youth. | |
| 2019 | Stripling Family Foundation* |
| The Stripling Family (Camilla, GA)has been a supporter of the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension in Georgia, especially in the Southwest District. The Stripling Family makes it possible for county programs to continue to educate youth on the importance of water efficiency, proper irrigation methods, and conserving water throughout the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint River Basin. | |
| 2018 | Georgia EMC* |
| Across Georgia, the EMC works with its 41 member cooperatives to make a difference in Georgia’s communities. The commitment of Georgia EMC is very evident in the variety of statewide leadership and educational programs they support for our state’s citizens. Annually, the Georgia EMC sponsors the William H. Booth Award to recognize outstanding career achievements of among state extension agents who work with the youth and children of 4-H. The Georgia EMC sponsors the agent associations and provides funding for Annual Meeting of our state professional associations. Most of us are highly aware of the support that EMC has given our Extension programs statewide. However, local communities across Georgia now benefit from Operation Roundup. | |
| 2017 | Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr |
| Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. is serving his thirteenth term in the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Georgia’s Second Congressional District, which covers 29 middle and southwest Georgia counties. Bishop was first elected to Congress in 1992 after serving in the Georgia House of Representatives from 1977 to 1990 and in the Georgia Senate from 1991-1992. Bishop holds a number of leadership positions. He was a Senior Democratic Whip in the 112th and 113th Congresses. He earlier served as Chairman of a Democratic House Task Force on Homeland Security and the Working Group on Defense of Physical Infrastructure and Natural Resources. | |
| 2016 | Zippy Duvall* |
| Mr. Zippy Duvall has served as American Farm Bureau Federation President since 2016. Prior to his election in January of 2016 to become the 12th president of American Farm Bureau Federation, Mr. Duvall faithfully served the farmers and agriculture community as Georgia Farm Bureau President for ten years. | |
| 2015 | Representative Terry England* |
| Representative Terry England is a champion for UGA Extension. He steps up to the challenge every time he is called upon and takes his position in the Georgia House of Representatives seriously. Representative England uses his public influence for the good of the state of Georgia. His efforts have been instrumental in the growth of UGA Extension. He has championed UGA Extension programs and helped to ensure that our infrastructure was solid as our state moves forward. | |
| 2014 | Jack Hill |
| Senator Jack Hill of Reidsville, a Republican, was first elected to the Georgia Senate from the 4th District in 1990 and served until his death in 2020. Senator Hill served as chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and also served on the Natural Resources and the Environment, Regulated Industries and Utilities and Rules committees as well as ex-officio for the Finance Committee. Past chairmanships include: K-12 Education, Ethics and Higher Education. | |