Starting Dec. 1, the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA) will have a new leader. Charles Hall announced his intention to move into a semi-retirement role, beginning Dec. 1. Chris Butts, GFVGA Director of Public Affairs, has been named the association’s next executive vice president.
Hall spent 25 years as the executive director of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association. Drew Echols, GFVGA President, says the association remains committed to its core goals.
“Our association is extremely grateful for the work that Charles has done on behalf of Georgia growers. We look forward to continuing to work to better the industry for the next 25 years,” Echols said.
Butts joined the GFVGA team in 2020 as director of public affairs. He looks forward to his new role.
“I am honored to be chosen to lead GFVGA going forward while having the opportunity to celebrate the leadership and build on the legacy that Charles has provided to the industry over the last 25 years,” Butts said.
Hall’s Leadership
Hall has served as the association’s executive director since it was organized in August, 1996. At that time, one of the key objectives in GFVGA’s mission statement was for the new association to become the ‘Voice’ of Georgia’s produce industry.
Hall took that mission as a personal challenge, and working with the GFVGA Board and industry leaders, the association has been successful in reaching that goal. Today, GFVGA hosts one of the premier regional trade shows in the U.S., boasts a membership of more than 600 growers and business leaders, operates a nationally recognized grower-focused food safety consulting service and is continuously advocating for Georgia’s fruit and vegetable growers in Atlanta and D.C.
In a letter to the GFVGA membership, Hall said, “It has been an honor to serve GFVGA and this industry. . . . It is our GFVGA members that have built the fruit and vegetable industry in Georgia and provided me and our staff the opportunity to serve you …. Thank you.”