James Ford, Rural Program Specialist

James W. Ford is the Rural Program Specialist for the Southeast Watershed Forum. Previously he was the Sixth State Conservationist for USDA; Natural Resources Conservation Service in Nashville, Tennessee, directing a comprehensive conservation program. He retired from the agency in January 2007 after 38 years of service.  James has served in leadership positions with the Soil Conservation Service and the Natural Resources Conservation Service in Georgia and two details in the agency‘s National Headquarters. Prior to accepting the position as State Conservationist in Nashville, Tennessee James was a Partnership Liaison in the Natural Resources Conservation Service Regional Office in Atlanta, Georgia.  James  was an Adjunct Professor for Albany State University in 1990 teaching courses in American Government and Compensation Administration. In 1992 he was the recipient of The Hammer Award from Vice President Gore for his efforts in the Georgia Emergency Watershed Protection Program. In 2002 he received the National Rural Community Assistance Outreach Award from the U. S. Forest Service.  A fourth generation farmer he operated his  family farm in Early County, Georgia prior to attending Fort Valley State University where he received a BS Degree in Agriculture Education. James also has a degree in Public Administration from Georgia College and State University.

James  responsibilities  involves working with the partners to develop and coordinate a stronger watershed approach to deliver federal programs.  He will be working through a public-private partnership to explore opportunities to innovative market-based initiatives to address farmland and forestland protection.