Guest Speakers

AAEC 3100 - Food and Fiber Marketing (Vanessa Shonkwiler)

Cassady Ellis (Project Manager at IRCA International) - She drives innovation at the forefront of the food and beverage industry. With a sharp eye for market trends and a proven track record of overseeing large-scale, transformative projects, Cassady excels in guiding cross-functional teams from initial concept to successful product launch. Cassady blends her expertise in sustainability with her passion for developing products that resonate with today’s evolving consumer demands. Her unique approach to product development and sustainable practices makes her a standout leader in the industry.
Lee Fongeallaz (Founder of Two Guys & a Farmer) - He is a young entrepreneur who recently launched their idea of a "Nutritional Energy Drink" by combining lactose-free milk with caffeine. Lee and Tyler Folley, recent UGA graduates, came up with the idea of this energized milk product while learning the benefits of calcium and memory formation. Before pursuing their invention, they had the privilege of taking Food and Fiber Marketing with Dr. Shonkwiler and learned how to properly build a market for their product. Now, they returned to the course as a guest speaker, explaining the strengths and weaknesses of their brand and offering marketing internships to the students. Fongeallaz and Holley both plan to attend dental school in the fall but are excited to see where this drink will continue to take them! As of today, their drinks can locally be found at markets at Tate Student Center and East Campus at the University of Georgia.

AAEC 3710 - Rural Economic Development and Growth (Nick Bradley)

Raymond Fitzpatrick (University of Georgia Extension, Franklin County Extension Coordinator)
David Jones (Chair of Madison County Industrial Development Authority)

ENVM 3060 - Principles of Resource Economics (Dr. Aaron Hrozencik)

Dan Meyer (National Geographic, Pristine Seas) - He visited the course to discuss his work at National Geographic organizing the nonprofits' efforts to support the development of marine protected areas around the world.
Jonathan Smith (Timbermart South) - He visited the course to discuss the role of Timbermart South, a price reporting firm, in the regional timber market. He also discussed his management of his family's timberland.
Mark Masters (Georgia Water Policy and Planning Center) - He visited the course to discuss water policy and management in Georgia and his center's recent efforts to promote water conservation through market-based solutions such as competitive auctions for irrigation suspension.

HFIM 3150 - Hospitality Human Resource Management (Dr. Angie Yeonsook Im)

Katia Hudspeth (Strategic HR and Organizational Development Advisor) - With extensive experience in luxury hospitality and now working as a consultatnt, she shared valuable insights on industry trends and offered practical advice to help students become successful leaders in the field.