Georgia Master Gardener Association welcomes experienced volunteer leader to district leadership role
The Georgia Master Gardener Association (GMGA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mark Hess as District Director for the NW2 District. Hess brings a strong record of volunteer leadership, a passion for gardening, and extensive professional experience working with organizations and teams.
Hess completed the Master Gardener Extension Volunteer program training in Coweta County in 2018. Since then, he has served in several leadership roles, including president in 2022. He currently co-chairs the leadership team for the Master Gardeners’ greenhouse and remains actively involved in the organization’s programs and activities.
As District Director, Hess will serve as a liaison between the general membership and the GMGA Board of Directors for the NW2 District. His responsibilities include maintaining communication with County Extension Agents, local Master Gardener organizations, and other groups, as well as monitoring project funding grants awarded within the district.
Hess brings a wealth of professional experience to the position. He retired from the corporate aviation industry in 2017 following a career that included work with a major airline and an international airline consulting firm. His consulting work provided extensive experience collaborating with organizations and teams around the world. He holds a degree in Industrial Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology.
Outside of his volunteer service, Hess and his wife of 38 years, Teresa, own a small farm where they grow a variety of vegetables and fruit using organic methods. They are expanding their operation to include a nursery business. Teresa also completed the Master Gardener program in 2026. Longtime residents of Coweta County, Mark and Teresa have three children. In his spare time, Hess enjoys scuba diving and amateur astronomy.
The officers and executive board of GMGA extend their warm congratulations to Hess on his appointment and wish him much success in his new leadership role.
The Georgia Master Gardener Association supports and connects Master Gardener Extension Volunteers throughout Georgia, strengthening volunteer leadership and communication among members, local organizations, and Extension partners.
Media Contact
Stephen Taylor, President
Georgia Master Gardener Association
The.gmga.president@gmail.com
(912) 655-0888
