Professional Profile
Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC)

Hannah Cowart	Devon Dartnell

Two Georgia Forestry Commission Professionals are leading the agency's Rapid Process Improvement (RPI) project, and they couldn't be more well suited to the effort. Hannah Cowart and Devon Dartnell are uniquely qualified to work with their colleagues, analyze forestry business systems, and make recommendations about ways the agency can improve its processes to better serve its external and internal customers.

Hannah Cowart, Business Analyst, began serving as Assistant to the Director in mid-2009, and in that short time demonstrated a number of outstanding skills, including her ability to conduct research, organize information and provide clear communications. She led GFC's Customer Service Initiative, which culminated in GFC being named the state of Georgia's Customer Service Agency of the Year.

Hannah has a BA degree in Women's Studies and a Masters degree in Nonprofit Organizations, both from the University of Georgia. She specialized in Organizational Development, Strategic Planning, and Program Evaluation, all of which meld seamlessly with RPI. Hannah served in the U.S. Marine Reserves with a posting in Africa during Operation Enduring Freedom, and served a medical internship in Costa Rica, where her proficiency in Spanish was critical.

“Throughout my life, I’ve been fortunate to be placed in many different environments and work with a wide array of individuals," said Cowart. "I think this has helped me learn how to communicate effectively, respect all points of view, and help my team get the job done, whatever it may be. This suits our Agency’s RPI projects well."

Devon Dartnell, Business Analyst, brings global experience to the RPI project as well. Dartnell worked in several supervisory positions in the oil business, from Alaska to Africa to Gulf of Mexico oil rigs. He holds a degree in Electrical Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology and a Business degree from the University of Denver.

Dartnell joined GFC in 2002 as Ranger 1 at the Newton-Rockdale Unit before moving to the Chief Ranger slot at Morgan-Walton. For the past three and a half years he has worked in GFC's Utilization & Marketing Department, where he has been instrumental in the growth and development of Georgia's forestry related Bioenergy industry.

"I have enjoyed my work in Utilization tremendously," said Dartnell, "but this (RPI) was a great opportunity for me to learn something new and to use my experience to help design and implement the future of the GFC."

Cowart and Dartnell's first RPI project focused on GFC's statewide Dispatch processes and resulted in plans to establish three Response Centers across the state. Upcoming projects are expected to include GFC's systsems for seedling delivery, agency reporting processes, such as forester activity and I & E reports, and continued Dispatch work.

Dartnell said he and Hannah Cowart are proving to be strong RPI partners.

"Working with Hannah has been a very enjoyable experience," he said. "She has a lot of energy and a very positive attitude."

“Devon and I are working great together!" agreed Cowart. "Devon has gained the respect of the agency throughout his career here, and he always brings all of his experience to the table. His realistic way of looking at things, combined with the  experience he gained while working in various jobs for GFC, gives him a great perspective."

In their personal time, both team members lead busy lives.

Cowart  lives in North Macon and enjoys spending time with friends, family and her four dogs and three cats.

Dartnell and his wife, Maryann, have been married for 24 years and live on a farm in Morgan County, near Madison. They have two daughters.

by Stasia Kelly, GFC Writer


                                                  Professional Profile highlights GFC's workforce and the variety of services they provide to Georgia.