Samantha joined the GPGA staff as Executive Director in February of 2017, following her passion of supporting farmers and being an advocate for agriculture. Prior to GPGA, Samantha worked for Case IH Agriculture for 5 years, first in a Commercial Rotational Development program, then as a Commercial Product Trainer, and finally as the Southeastern Crop Production Sales Specialist representing the manufacturer’s line-up of planters, seeding, and tillage equipment across seven states.

Outside of GPGA, Samantha is happily married to Robert McLeod III and lives just outside of Tifton, GA. Together they have two beautiful boys, Arlan (3) and Curtis (1) and enjoy running their small herd of Registered Black Angus cattle and helping out on the family’s farm.

Originally from Omega, Georgia, Sheila graduated from Tift County High School in 1985 and then went on to graduate from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, located in Tifton, Georgia in 1987. She went back to school to obtain a degree in Accounting from Moultrie Technical College in 2012. Prior to coming onboard with GPGA, Sheila homeschooled her 4 children from 1991 until 2013 from kindergarten through their graduation.

Outside of GPGA Sheila is happily married to Scot Harnage. The two share four children and two step grandchildren. Sheila is actively involved in her church and loves to spend time with family.

A native of Tifton, Amy holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism degree and Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Georgia. Prior to joining the GPGA team, Amy worked at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College for 5 years and, prior to that, lived and worked in Atlanta for 8 years in both state government and the private sector.

Outside of GPGA Amy and her husband, Courtney, have three children and are active in their schools, church and community.

Originally from Homerville, Georgia, Bruorton attended Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC) for a year and a half before transferring to the University of Georgia Tifton. During her time in college, she completed an internship with Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association, where she was the marketing and communications intern.  She also worked under Dr. Johnathan Oliver, researching Xylella on various blueberry varieties. Bruorton graduated in May 2020 with a bachelor’s degree in Agribusiness from the University of Georgia. She serves as GPGA’s Communication and Events Coordinator.

Prior to joining GPGA in August of 2021, Bruorton was an Outreach Specialist for the Produce Safety Department with the South Carolina Department of Agriculture.

Mary Mikelyn joined the GPGA staff in August 2021, where she wanted to continue her career in supporting and advocating for both Georgia farmers and Georgia pecans.

Outside of GPGA, she is active in church and loves spending time with her family and dog, Reese. Bruorton has always been an active member of the agricultural industry and by joining GPGA, wanted to continue her career in supporting and advocating for both Georgia farmers and Georgia pecans. Growing up and working within the blueberry industry on a farm and packaging facility, Bruorton knew that she wanted to advocate for American farmers and be a part of the agricultural industry. She says that she owes her love and passion for agriculture to her father, Mike Bruorton, and values the loving support in her endeavors from her mother, Beverly Bruorton.