Page 18 - Georgia Forestry - Summer 2018

Rent Sanders
CHIEF RANGER, MORGAN-WALTON COUNTY
Something’s eating at Rent Sanders, but you wouldn’t know it from his joyful smile. It takes a little chit-chat for the GFC Morgan-Walton County
chief ranger to admit his unit scored just under 100 percent during yesterday’s inspection.
“I always strive for the top, to be the best,” Sanders said. “It was instilled in me early on.”
That principle has enabled Orenthal, his given name, to succeed and lead throughout his career.
“I went to college for electronics,” he said, “but couldn’t wait to get out and do more.” He worked at an air-conditioner plant, ran four machines at another plant and got certified in wiring, before going to work in timber harvesting for his brother-in-law. He enjoyed the inde- pendence of owning his own trucking company before joining the GFC six years ago in order to have more family time.
“If you like doing something different every day, this is the job,” Sanders said. “I like interacting with people — whether
Hannah Cowart leads by example, choosing a variable height desk to make office time less sedentary.
16 | GEORGIA FORESTRY
that’s passing on what I know about the equipment or working with a landowner.” “He’s tried and true,” said Dr. K.L. Lewis, a longtime friend and area land- owner. “I’ve known him his whole life, and he knows what he’s doing.” Lewis credits Sanders with helping his forestland thrive with forest manage- ment plans, cost-share assistance and
hands-on labor.
“I try to treat people like I want to
be treated,” Sanders said. “Dr. Lewis’ support has meant a lot, and that inspires me to inspire someone else.”
Hannah Cowart
EMPLOYMENT SERVICES MANAGER
H
out complicated things,” personal or professional. When seeking answers regarding procedures and benefits,
employees know she’s the go-to concierge with a compassionate way. She also travels throughout Georgia, interviewing agency applicants, and assessing what makes them tick and whether they’d be a good fit for a highly-specialized agency.
“We’re a modern family at the GFC,” said Cowart. “There’s a complexity of jobs here that’s really intensive and atypical of a state agency.” She mentions the GFC nursery, the welders, the heavy-equipment operators and the multifaceted behind-the-scenes support staff.
“I realize that every person we hire could be the next director of the for- estry commission.”
Cowart loves her home state of Georgia and relishes her time on its back roads as she screens potential hires for the job of GFC ranger.
“It’s a unique job and we’re looking for a unique fit,” Cowart said. “These aren’t typical employees. They’re motivated by public service. Every day, they get ful- filled,” she said.
Cowart came to the GFC with a mas- ter’s degree in Nonprofit Organizations from the University of Georgia, gaining skills she said apply directly to work
annah Cowart has “20-20, inside-outside” vision. As employment services manager, she helps people
within the GFC “figure